Stellantis Temporarily Halts Production at Detroit Plants

News Summary

Stellantis NV has announced a temporary pause in production at its Detroit Assembly Complex, affecting the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango due to declining sales. Starting April 28, the Mack and Jefferson North facilities will see reduced activity, while workers in related departments will continue with paint and repair tasks. The move comes as Stellantis prepares for the rollout of a refreshed Grand Cherokee model. Additionally, the automaker faces challenges with engine shortages and various production adjustments across its facilities.

Stellantis Hitting the Pause Button: A Production Break for Detroit Plants

DETROIT – In an unexpected twist for SUV enthusiasts, Stellantis NV has announced a temporary pause in production at its Detroit Assembly Complex, home to the beloved Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango. This production halt is set to begin the week of April 28 at both the Mack and Jefferson North facilities.

What’s Behind the Shutdown?

The decision comes as a response to declining sales of the Grand Cherokee and Durango models. In fact, sales of the Grand Cherokee dropped by a noteworthy 11% year-over-year, totaling just 48,465 units sold in the first quarter of this year. The Durango didn’t fare much better, experiencing a 9% decline with 13,701 units sold during the same period. Clearly, the automaker is feeling the pinch, prompting a re-evaluation of their production strategy.

In the meantime, the Mack plant is not just going to sit idle. There’s some activity planned, particularly for workers in paint and repair, who are still expected to work during the downtimes. However, the Mack facility will also see additional shutdowns starting May 19. This is all part of the exciting transition to a revitalized version of the Grand Cherokee set to hit the market later this year.

Planning for the Future

Stellantis seems keen on ensuring that the transition to the refreshed 2026 Grand Cherokee goes smoothly. They plan to extend production of the 2025 model during this pause. This move is aimed at delivering the highest build quality possible for the new model, ensuring car lovers get the best when it finally arrives.

What Else Is Happening?

This production pause is just one feather in Stellantis’ cap of recent adjustments. In response to new tariffs on imported vehicles imposed by the previous administration, the automaker has been making various cutbacks. This has included halting production at major assembly plants in Mexico and Canada, resulting in around 900 temporary layoffs at various U.S. facilities.

One notable facility in the spotlight is the Toluca Assembly Plant in Mexico. This plant, which is responsible for producing the Jeep Compass and the all-new Jeep Wagoneer S electric SUV, is expected to remain inactive until the end of the month. Meanwhile, the Windsor Assembly Plant — known for its production of Chrysler minivans and the Dodge Charger Daytona electric muscle car — is set to resume production after a brief two-week shutdown, which will bring back thousands of workers who had been temporarily laid off during that time.

Engine Shortages and Other Challenges

Production at Stellantis’ Warren Truck Assembly Plant, which manufactures the Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer, is currently down as well due to an ongoing engine shortage. In a bid to tackle this challenge, the company has prioritized the production of Ram 1500 pickups, reallocating engines to meet escalating demand.

As Stellantis navigates through these obstacles — which include shifting production schedules, managing engine allocations, and addressing international trade pressures — they remain focused on gearing up for the launch of new products and stabilizing their SUV lineup in the competitive U.S. market.

In Conclusion

While the pause in production may be a temporary setback for some, it seems to be a proactive measure as Stellantis prepares for exciting changes down the road. For now, Detroit’s auto enthusiasts will have to stay tuned, as changes unfold in the world of SUVs, and the company strives for a stronger foothold in the market.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Concerns Rise in Detroit as Stellantis Announces Temporary Layoffs
Catastrophic Water Main Break Rocks Detroit Community
Stellantis Announces Production Halt, Leading to 900 Job Cuts
St. Clair Shores Workers Face Layoffs Amid New Tariffs
Trump’s Tariffs Spark Concerns in Motor City

Additional Resources

• Detroit News
• Wikipedia: Stellantis
• Mopar Insiders
• Google Search: Stellantis production pause
• Reuters
• Google Scholar: Stellantis production challenges
• WXYZ
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Stellantis
• CNBC
• Google News: Stellantis Detroit production