Stellantis Heartbreak: 2,450 Workers Laid Off as Iconic Ram Pickup Faces Demise
At the North American International Auto Show in Detroit on January 15, 2018, the 2019 Ram 1500 Rebel pickup truck was showcased. However, automaker Stellantis has recently announced plans to indefinitely lay off up to 2,450 U.S. factory workers later this year. This decision follows the discontinuation of an older version of the Ram 1500, commonly known as the “Classic,” which has served entry-level buyers and fleet customers since a new generation was introduced in 2018.
Production of the Ram 1500 Classic at the Warren Truck Assembly Plant in Michigan, where it is built alongside the Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer, will cease later this year. Meanwhile, the updated 2025 model of the Ram 1500 will continue production at a nearby facility. The company has not announced a replacement for the Classic, raising concerns among local governments, workers, and the United Auto Workers (UAW) union.
Ram CEO Chris Feuell confirmed to CNBC that the Classic version would be phased out by the end of this year. UAW President Shawn Fain criticized Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares for the decision, highlighting the executive’s recent 56% pay increase amid the layoffs.
The layoffs, expected to commence in October, are part of ongoing cost-cutting measures by Stellantis, which has already reduced production at several plants. This move aligns with Tavares’ “Dare Forward 2030” plan aimed at increasing profits and doubling revenue to 300 billion euros by 2030. Recently, Stellantis also offered voluntary buyouts to U.S. salaried workers to further cut costs, warning that involuntary terminations might follow if participation is insufficient.
Original Story https://www.cnbc.com/2024/08/09/stellantis-layoff-workers-ram-pickup-truck.html
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