Stellantis is putting a huge stack of chips on the table in the U.S., announcing a $13 billion investment over the next four years aimed at expanding domestic production, adding more than 5,000 jobs, and setting up a wave of new and updated vehicles. It is the kind of Midwest-heavy commitment that signals Stellantis wants to grow here the old-fashioned way, with metal, factories, and new product that lands in the segments Americans actually buy.
For Dodge fans, the headline is the next-generation Durango. Stellantis says the new Durango is slated to be built at the Detroit Assembly Complex Jefferson site, with production targeted to start in 2029. That timeline is still a few years out, but it is meaningful because the current Durango has been living a long life, and a true successor has felt overdue for a while. Stellantis is also planning a new large SUV program at Warren Truck Assembly in Michigan starting in 2028, described as a range-extended EV and internal combustion offering, which hints at a future where big SUVs can pivot between gas power and electrified range without forcing buyers into an all-or-nothing choice.
Then there is the midsize pickup, which has basically been a Stellantis “when it happens” promise for years. Now it finally has a home: Toledo, Ohio, with a launch expected in 2028. Toledo is Wrangler and Gladiator territory, so moving the midsize truck there has enthusiasts wondering if Stellantis is leaning toward something rugged and trail-ready rather than a soft lifestyle truck. Stellantis has not confirmed a name, but the Dakota badge keeps coming up in conversations for obvious reasons.
Illinois gets a major storyline too, because the closed Belvidere Assembly Plant is set to come back to life. Stellantis plans to reopen it to build the Jeep Cherokee and Jeep Compass for the U.S. market with initial production expected in 2027, which is big news for anyone who has been watching Jeep’s lineup gaps and the way the compact and midsize crossover market keeps growing. It also reshuffles the chessboard for where future product gets built, and it shows Stellantis is not just investing in halo vehicles, but also in bread-and-butter models that keep dealers busy.
Under the hood, Stellantis is also investing in Kokomo, Indiana, to produce the GMET4 EVO four-cylinder engine beginning in 2026, which supports the idea that this U.S. expansion is not only about assembly lines, but also about keeping key powertrain work at home. Put it all together and you get a clearer picture of Stellantis’ next few years in America: a new Durango on the way, a midsize truck finally taking shape, Jeep nameplates returning to U.S. production, and a mix of gas and electrified strategies that follow real-world demand instead of just chasing headlines.
Darryl Taylor Dowe is a seasoned automotive professional with a proven track record of leading successful ventures and providing strategic consultation across the automotive industry. With years of hands-on experience in both business operations and market development, Darryl has played a key role in helping automotive brands grow and adapt in a rapidly evolving landscape. His insight and leadership have earned him recognition as a trusted expert, and his contributions to Automotive Addicts reflect his deep knowledge and passion for the business side of the car world.
