Stellantis Postpones Base Model Dodge Charger EV, Workers in Windsor Brace for Change
Windsor (Ontario), The Gulf Observer: Stellantis workers at the Windsor Assembly Plant are adjusting to news that the automaker is postponing production of the 2026 base model Dodge Charger EV, as confirmed Thursday by Dodge CEO Matt McAlear. The decision comes amid ongoing assessments of U.S. tariff policies and their impact on vehicle production and pricing.
McAlear stated that the company is delaying the Charger Daytona R/T as it evaluates the consequences of U.S. trade measures, particularly the 25% tariffs imposed by the U.S. on non-CUSMA-compliant vehicles. These tariffs have already led to multiple disruptions at the Windsor facility.
Despite the setback, Stellantis has reassured that the postponement will not affect current staffing levels at the plant, which employs approximately 4,500 people. The company plans to introduce a four-door Charger model and an additional new model in the latter half of 2026 to maintain production volume.
Longtime Stellantis worker Denis Desaulniers acknowledged the uncertainty but struck a note of resilience. “It’s never good news when you’re losing a model,” he said. “But we’ve also got the gas Charger we’re going to be introducing, and hopefully everything goes good.” Having experienced decades of industry volatility, Desaulniers added, “You just take it day by day. It’s out of our control.”
Paul Lachance, another veteran with 12 years at the plant, echoed the sentiment. “The mood at the plant is just, ‘Take it one day at a time,’” he said, citing multiple recent changes to work schedules that disrupted even routine plans like dental appointments.
Union leaders and industry experts are also downplaying the immediate risk to jobs. Unifor National President Lana Payne noted that the plant is currently ramping up for additional Charger models, maintaining stable employment for now.
Flavio Volpe, President of the Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association, highlighted the broader implications of the U.S. trade climate. “This shows how sensitive Canadian auto production is to American policy,” he said. However, Volpe emphasized that focusing on higher-end Charger models could help soften the economic impact in Windsor.
Greg Layson, digital and mobile editor for Automotive News Canada, suggested the decision reflects strategic positioning by Stellantis to remain in line with U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration, noting low U.S. sales of electrified Chargers. “What I can tell you about Windsor is … they are focusing on internal combustion engine versions of the Dodge Charger,” Layson said, including upgrades to accommodate a larger engine.
Though production on the 2026 Charger Daytona R/T was scheduled to begin later this year, Stellantis has not confirmed a new timeline.
Canadian Industry Minister Mélanie Joly reaffirmed her confidence in the stability of domestic automotive jobs. “I’m convinced that we can get to a good place,” she said following discussions with Stellantis’s CEO, expressing continued commitment to EV investments in Canada.
As Windsor’s auto workers navigate yet another shift in the evolving auto landscape, the community remains cautiously optimistic that the plant’s adaptability and upcoming models will carry it through this uncertain period.
