Prediction: Dodge Charger, Challenger output moved to Windsor

dodge Production of the Charger and Challenger at the Brampton assembly plant in Ontario is set to end in 2024, but forecasting firm AutoForecast Solutions said both muscle car programs will remain in-state, with Jeep’s appliances taking up more floor space in Brampton. take over.

The next Chargers and Challengers are StellantisThe Windsor, Ontario assembly plant will continue to operate, said Sam Fiorani, vice president of global fleet forecasts for US-based AFS.

“They will share the same platform as the next-generation minivan,” he said. Automotive News Canada.

Stellantis confirmed in May that production of the Charger, Challenger and Chrysler 300 will end in Brampton in 2024 when the plant pauses for a reorganization. Windsor Assembly also said he will host STLA Large, a new vehicle platform primarily for battery electric vehicles.

However, the company has not disclosed any future product mandates for Brampton or Windsor, and in the case of the Charger and Challenger, Stellantis has not officially confirmed if next-gen models are planned.

“movement of goods”

AFS originally expected the Charger and Challenger to be built at its Belvidere assembly plant in Illinois after 2024, but recent developments have moved the two programs back to Ontario, Fiorani said. .

“Stellantis is moving things.”

AFS no longer has a product planned for Belvidere, but “we hope to see something in there,” Fiorani added.

Analysts predict the next-generation Charger and Challenger will be built exclusively at Windsor. Battery-electric, hybrid and internal-combustion engine powertrains are likely to be offered, but the model’s famous V8 engine is very likely to end with the current generation.

Brampton and Windsor’s new program is a positive development for Canadian autos, Fiorani said, as several Ontario factories have been deemed to be on “life support” in recent years.

“Now we have a dedicated vehicle that will last another five to 10 years.

brampton jeep

Fiorani did not specify the Jeep model planned for Brampton, but said it will be electrified and will go into production in 2024 or 2025.

“Bringing mainstream Jeep products into the Brampton plant is really good for that community and Canada as a whole.”

Jeep gave the first look at the brand’s first two fully electric products earlier this month. The Wrangler-inspired Recon marks the beginning of his BEV era for Jeep in North America, along with a midsize crossover called the Wagoneer S. Two other of his models will follow by 2024.

Jim Morrison, head of the North American Jeep brand, said at a press conference on Sept. 7 that both new models will be built in North America, but he could not provide specifics.

When asked if Ontario had a role to play in electrifying Jeep, Morrison didn’t give a clear answer.

“Using Ontario LG makes a lot of sense. [Energy Solution] The factories we are working on, the joint ventures, but I will not make any further announcements. ”

In March, Stellantis and LG Energy Solution announced plans to build a $5 billion battery cell factory in Windsor. And in May, the automaker announced it would spend $3.6 billion to build electric vehicles at its assembly plants in Brampton and Windsor. Neither plant has been assigned a specific model, but said both plants are expected to return to his three-shift operation as production of new models ramps up.

Stellantis Canada spokeswoman LouAnn Gosselin declined to comment on the company’s product plans for Brampton or Windsor, or the future of the Charger and Challenger nameplates.

Workers in both cities are also looking forward to seeing what kind of vehicles they will produce.

Unifor automotive director Dino Chiodo, who represents hourly workers at the two factories, said the company does not share product plans with the union. He expects Stellantis to provide more details when the two companies enter contract negotiations next year.

“I think there’s a huge opportunity to negotiate how things play out. I think we’ll probably be more in line depending on where and how the assignments are made.”

Regardless of which models arrive at the two factories, Chiodo said unionized staff will likely need new skills to assemble electrified products. .

“We are still going through a lot of conversations to figure out exactly what it is and how we can find opportunities to provide that kind of training.”

The reorganization at Windsor is set to start next year, with Brampton following in 2024.