Stellantis keeps 650 EV research staff in Canada after wider pullback

Stellantis says it will retain 650 engineers at its Windsor Automotive Research and Development Centre for EV and battery testing, even as it plans to sell its 49% share of the NextStar Energy battery joint venture and record a 22 billion euro charge.

Stellantis announced a large financial write-down and plans to sell its 49 per cent share of NextStar Energy, the joint venture for a proposed battery plant in Windsor, Ontario. At the same time, the company says it will retain 650 engineers hired to expand its Windsor Automotive Research and Development Centre (ARDC). The ARDC's battery testing and development work is reported to continue and a new battery lab at the centre is still planned. Key points: - The company reported a 22 billion euro charge and intends to sell its 49% stake in the NextStar Energy battery joint venture. - Stellantis says none of the 650 positions added for the Windsor ARDC expansion will be affected and that total ARDC staff now stands near 800. - The ARDC will continue electrification and battery testing work, and a North American battery lab at the centre is reported to proceed. - Stellantis also announced hiring for more than 20 sales and marketing positions across Canada. Summary: Keeping the Windsor engineering staff reduces immediate local job impacts while the company narrows its broader EV investments. Undetermined at this time.