Stellantis is gearing up for a massive $10 billion investment campaign that could reshape the American automotive landscape and breathe new life into some of its most iconic brands. With a fresh CEO at the helm, Antonio Filosa, the troubled automaker is refocusing on the US market by pouring capital into factory reopenings, workforce expansions, and new vehicle launches, predominantly in Illinois and Michigan.
This financial injection is more than just paint and metal it signals a potential return to performance muscle at Dodge. After killing off traditional V8 muscle cars, Dodge finds itself facing the backlash from enthusiasts and flagging sales that its all-electric experiments failed to fix. Reports suggest Stellantis is seriously eyeing a fresh V8-powered muscle machine to reignite excitement and reclaim Dodge’s legendary status.
The planned investments will likely extend beyond Dodge, with Jeep and Chrysler also receiving attention as Stellantis aims to reclaim past glories across its portfolio. This strategic pivot marks a sharp departure from former CEO Carlos Tavares’ push toward lower-cost production in Mexico and heavy European spending. Filosa’s vision embraces a North American renaissance, betting on the US as a vital growth engine amid tariffs, labor issues, and tug-of-war politics.
One central piece of this effort is the reopening of the Belvidere, Illinois assembly plant, set to create approximately 1,500 jobs with a new midsize pickup planned. This move ties directly into ongoing negotiations with the United Auto Workers union, reflecting Stellantis’ urgent need to repair labor relations and secure manufacturing stability.
While the details remain fluid and decisions are still underway, this $10 billion launchpad promises a reawakening of American muscle and manufacturing might under Stellantis’ flag. If the rumor mill is right, the once-dead V8 muscle car might just roar back to life.
