Ontario Premier Doug Ford has expressed strong disapproval over reported discussions between Stellantis and a Chinese automaker regarding potential production of Chinese electric vehicles at the currently inactive Brampton assembly plant in Canada. The talks, as per a Bloomberg News report, involve Zhejiang Leapmotor Technology, a Chinese company headquartered in Hangzhou.
Stellantis had previously acquired a 21 percent stake in Leapmotor for $1.6 billion in 2023 and established a joint venture, Leapmotor International, with a majority ownership of 51 percent. Lana Payne, the president of Unifor, the union representing laid-off Stellantis workers, confirmed the exploration of various options for the Brampton plant, including collaboration with Leapmotor.
Ford, speaking with CBC News in Dallas, Texas, expressed strong opposition to the potential deal, citing concerns about its impact on Ontario autoworkers. He emphasized the need for Ontario-made cars assembled by local workers with domestic parts, rejecting the idea of importing Chinese components for assembly in Canada.
The Brampton plant, which previously employed around 3,000 workers, ceased operations in late 2023 for retooling to facilitate the production of the Jeep Compass. However, following trade policy changes, including tariffs imposed by the U.S., Stellantis relocated the Jeep model’s production to Illinois in 2025.
Stellantis has not provided any official statement regarding the reported talks with Leapmotor, with the company spokesperson emphasizing a commitment to invest in sustainable programs at the Brampton plant to support workers and suppliers in the long term.
Unifor has raised concerns about the potential use of imported parts for kit assembly at the Brampton facility in partnership with Chinese manufacturers, warning against the displacement of auto industry jobs. Payne urged the Canadian government to establish an auto policy that promotes domestic manufacturing and job creation within the country.
A previous agreement between the Canadian government and Stellantis in 2022, worth $529 million, stipulated conditions to prevent the closure of the Brampton plant until 2035, except in certain circumstances. Disputes arose following the relocation of Jeep Compass production to the U.S., leading to ongoing discussions between the government, Stellantis, and union representatives to secure future investments in Canada’s automotive sector.
Efforts are underway to prioritize Canada’s supply chain, labor force, and parts suppliers in any new auto investments, according to statements from government officials. The federal government had previously indicated its intention to issue a notice of default to Stellantis for potential breaches of funding contracts related to projects in Windsor and Brampton.