Rockford Sun

Multinational automotive corporation Stellantis has announced plans to reopen its Belvidere Assembly Plant in Illinois, creating more than 1,500 jobs. The announcement follows a meeting between Stellantis Chairman John Elkann and former President Donald Trump.

"Days after meeting with President Trump, Stellantis has announced it will return 1,500 jobs to Illinois, build its next-generation Dodge Durango at its Detroit complex, and invest in its Ohio and Indiana operations," the Trump War Room said in a social media post on January 22.

According to the Detroit Free Press, North America Chief Operating Officer of Stellantis, Antonio Filosa, mentioned in a letter to employees that Elkann and Trump's meeting included discussions on strengthening the auto manufacturing industry in the U.S. The letter also outlined investments for facilities in Toledo, Ohio, and Kokomo, Indiana.

Screenshot of the social media post made on Jan. 22 | Trump War Room

CNBC reports that Trump has now met with all leaders from the "Big Three" automakers: Stellantis' Elkann, General Motors CEO Mary Barra, and Ford Motor Company's Chairman Bill Ford. In these meetings, Trump addressed the auto industry's role in the U.S. economy.

Stellantis was formed in 2021 from the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and Groupe PSA. It is a global automaker with 14 brands including Jeep, Dodge, and Peugeot. The company focuses on producing a wide range of vehicles while advancing electrification and sustainable mobility. According to its website, Stellantis operates in over 130 countries with approximately 300,000 employees.