Stellantis Weighs Closing and Selling Brampton Plant That Built Dodge Muscle Cars

The Brampton assembly plant in Ontario, once home to Dodge Charger and Challenger production, may be put up for sale. Trade union Unifor says Stellantis has admitted it is considering closing and selling the site, which has not built a new vehicle since late 2023.

The plant, which also produced the Chrysler 300, was originally slated to build the Jeep Compass, but those plans were scrapped in 2025 and production shifted to Illinois. Unifor president Lana Payne says Stellantis informed the union last Wednesday that it was examining a closure and sale, though no formal notice has been issued.

Under the labor agreement, at least 12 months' warning is required.

Stellantis has not commented extensively ahead of bargaining, saying only that its priority is finding a "sustainable manufacturing solution" for Brampton. " The union represents about 2,200 members at the plant, who currently receive income security equal to 70 percent of their earnings.

The collective agreement covering Brampton, Windsor, and Etobicoke expires September 20.

There is a complication for any potential buyer: Brampton has zoned the property for automotive production only, limiting the possibility of redeveloping the land for other uses. City officials still want vehicles built there in the future, and with Canada recently lifting its ban on Chinese car imports in exchange for China easing tariffs on canola and metals, Chinese brands could potentially use the site.

Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa has floated the idea of building Chinese Leapmotor cars in Canada or Mexico, and Stellantis acquired a 21 percent stake in Leapmotor in 2023. Canada's industry ministry says it is working with Stellantis, Unifor, and Ontario to preserve production, jobs, and investment.

For now, Brampton's future remains uncertain.