According to foreign media reports, Donald Trump, a Republican presidential candidate for the United States, said that if Stellandis decides to transfer his job from the United States to Mexico, he will impose 100%tariffs on Stellandis’s vehicles. Trump’s move aims to protect the US manufacturing jobs and prevent enterprises from producing outsourcing.
The above remarks are a response to another speaker at the Michigan assembly. The speaker pointed out that Stellandis has always produced cars in Mexico. And Trump’s proposal is part of its widespread vision, to stay in the United States, and reduce dependence on foreign production.
Trump’s remarks also coincided with Stellandis recently decided to expand its Saltillo truck assembly plant in Mexico. Regarding the controversy caused by this, Chris Feull, the CEO of Cryzler/RAM, explained the reasons behind Stellandis to expand the factory. Chris Feull said that the Saltillo truck assembly plant is an indispensable “pressure reduction valve” in Sterling Heights assembly plant in Michigan, because the production capacity of the Sterling Heights assembly plant is close to the limit.
Chris Feull elaborated in a statement in detail: “The Saltillo factory has done a good job in response to complexity. At present, pickups have been produced. Stellandis maintain efficient operation efficiency. “
At the same time, Chris Feuell emphasized that using the Saltillo factory to export is a strategic choice. She also pointed out that the Volun truck assembly plant on the suburbs of Detroit, USA has streamlined operations. At present, only one shift is running, focusing on the production of Jeep® Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer models, which limits its ability to produce RAM trucks.
Stellandis’s global strategy includes optimizing its manufacturing layout to meet international needs. The company aims to support the growing growth of the RAM brand through the Saltillo factory focusing on the export market.
The tariffs proposed by Trump add another layer of complexity for the future of the automotive industry and the discussion of globalization on the impact of US employment. At present, the focus of Stellandis is how to balance the demand for domestic manufacturing in the United States and its broader global ambitions.