Stellantis is reducing its workforce at the assembly plant in Windsor, Ontario, as it moves away from its electric muscle car production. A spokesperson for Stellantis, LouAnn Gosselin, mentioned that a few employees were handed layoff notices on Friday due to regular volume adjustments at the plant based on seniority. The exact number of affected workers was not disclosed by the company, and the union representing the employees did not provide any comments when approached.
The news of the layoffs coincided with the plant’s scheduled summer shutdown, causing concern among auto workers in Windsor, where the economy heavily relies on the industry. Workers at the Windsor assembly plant have previously experienced temporary layoffs due to trade tensions between the U.S. and Canada, which have impacted the auto sector. However, there is optimism among some workers who anticipate a swift return to work, with expectations ranging from a couple of weeks to before Christmas.
Despite describing the layoffs as unfavorable, employees like Dixon Bell and Dave Lumley remain hopeful about the future employment prospects at the plant. Lumley, in particular, expressed confidence in the temporary nature of the situation, attributing the layoffs to changes in Dodge Charger production at the facility, emphasizing the industry’s transition towards gas-powered vehicles.
Stellantis recently announced the delay in production of the electrified Dodge Charger Daytona R/T model, citing U.S. tariffs and subdued electric vehicle market demand as contributing factors. The company also unveiled the 2026 Dodge Charger Scat Pack with an inline-six twin-turbo engine, responding to consumer requests for gas-powered versions of the popular muscle cars. The Windsor plant, known for assembling Chargers and Chrysler Pacifica minivans, remains a significant hub for Stellantis’ operations.