Stellantis, the automotive manufacturer, is constructing a new manufacturing facility alongside its existing plant in Saltillo, Mexico, to support the production of its RAM 1500 truck series.
Over the past few months, two buildings have been erected at the site. There is currently no word on whether the factory will produce fuel-powered or electric versions of the RAM 1500.
Stellantis has stated that it will continue to manufacture RAM trucks at the Sterling Heights assembly plant in Detroit and has not made any new announcements regarding RAM 1500 production.
The potential for RAM 1500 production in Mexico could escalate tensions between Stellantis and the United Auto Workers (UAW), which have reached a boiling point in recent weeks.
The UAW signed a historic labor agreement with Stellantis last year, securing wage increases and billions in investments in U.S. manufacturing. Stellantis has also committed to maximizing its capacity at the Sterling Heights facility before starting RAM 1500 production in Mexico.
Kevin Goutinski, the chief negotiator for Stellantis at the UAW, mentioned, “There is fear across the board.” The Stellantis plant in Saltillo, Mexico, has been manufacturing vehicles for RAM since the 1990s.
The facility spans 212,850 square feet and produces heavy-duty trucks, including the RAM 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500. RAM also manufactures the Promaster truck at a separate facility in the same area. Data from Wards Intelligence indicates that nearly 27% of all Stellantis vehicles manufactured in North America up to August of this year were produced in Mexico.
