2024-08-10 12:00:00
Automaker Stellantis, owner of Chrysler, RAM, Jeep and Dodge, will cut 2,450 jobs in the United States as it stops production of the previous generation Ram 1500 pickup truck, while the latest version of the vehicle will continue in production.
The company’s public relations department described the reason for the layoffs as: “The launch of the new 2025 Ram 1500 Tradesman with incredible value and content.
“The improved electrical architecture provides commercial fleets with useful new technology for better tracking and improved safety systems.”
The industry faces ongoing problems as it tries to find a new direction in a market where electric vehicles are seen as the future, but they are not selling well. At the same time, the industry’s big companies must decide which gasoline models to continue producing in order to make money.
Stellantis is also redesigning other parts of its lineup. The company’s Dodge division will stop making gasoline-powered versions of its iconic Challenger and Charger. Each vehicle has huge, fuel-guzzling engines that could, in theory, be replaced by versions with electric motors.
As major car companies evaluate their brands, some have scaled back production of electric vehicles, which are seen as the future of the industry.
Ford said it would increase production of its big super trucks. Ford said it would use capacity to build up to 150,000 Ford F-250 Lightning Electric vehicles by 2022. That hasn’t happened yet.
GM recently walked back its electric vehicle production plans. CEO Mary Barra abandoned plans to produce 1 million electric vehicles per year.
The U.S. auto industry is in turmoil. Recent decisions by General Motors and Ford prove it. Stellantis is discontinuing production of a line of pickup trucks, which have long been the mainstay of U.S. auto sales.
Source: 24/7wallst – Reuters
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