Auto industry forecaster says more vehicle models could be produced at Windsor Stellantis plant

While there hasn't been any confirmation from auto giant Stellantis, analysts believe a large SUV could be built in Windsor in the coming years.

Sam Fiorani said his company's sources say that two new models, including a replacement for the Dodge Durango and a two-row crossover, could start rolling off the line in 2026.

If the SUV is built in Windsor, it would secure employment at the plant for the next 10 years, he says.

"Windsor is set up to build not only the minivans, but the new STLA large platform, which is a dynamic platform that allows full-electric or levels of hybridization," Fiorani explained.

"And the new vehicles will be built on the STLA large platform."

Four models to be built in Windsor

The new models would bring the number of vehicles built at the Windsor Assembly Plant to four, alongside the Chrysler Pacifica and Voyager minivans currently built there and the new Dodge Charger announced earlier this year.

The decision to bring the production to Windsor would be partly about cost-effectiveness, Fiorani said.

"Consolidation of the plants within Stellantis to build the same platform in the same plant is very important for profitability, for full utilization of these plants," he said.

The construction of the new battery plant in the city is also a factor in the growth at the plant, he added.

The Durango is currently built at Stellantis' Jefferson North plant in Detroit, but the model is being phased out. 

A Stellantis spokesperson said the company hasn't made any announcements about where the Durago's replacement will be allocated "and has nothing further to add at this time."

The president of Unifor Local 444 also noted Stellantis has made no official announcement about future products at the Windsor plant.

No official word from Stellantis

But James Stewart said that thanks to the union's bargaining efforts, the plant has the "flexibility and capacity" to build a variety of products. 

"This adaptability, combined with our members commitment to quality, will be key to our long-term success," he said. "No matter what vehicle is chosen for production here, our team is ready to build it to the highest standards."

Independent auto industry analyst Tom Venetis, who is based in Toronto, said he has also heard reports of the new vehicles being produced at the Windsor plant.

He says he expects it to happen, unless there's a major shift in market conditions. 

"I think it's very good news for Windsor and for the workers," Venetis said.

"It shows that Stellantis is committed to the operations there. It's going to be expanding them, and it's going to be bringing in a new vehicle, particularly a replacement for the Durango which is slowly [getting] wound down."