Windsor Assembly Plant workers may be getting a helping of hope coming out of the Thanksgiving weekend, even as tense contract talks between Stellantis and Unifor continue to stall. On Tuesday, The Automotive News reported the company is plotting to bring its 6.2L Dodge Hellcat Charger to the plant. “I would call it proof Windsor Assembly Plant isn’t going anywhere,” said Greg Layson, editor of Automotive News Canada, in an interview with CTV News. According to the publication’s American counterpart, Stellantis is planning to start production of the Hellcat V8 Charger. “They’re adding another 12-thousand units of production of a new revamped muscle car, 6.2L V8 Hellcat engine in a Charger. That’s going to appeal to all the people with money that are gearheads and muscle car enthusiasts,” said Layson. Stellantis does not comment on future product plans. According to Layson, the facility would still need more production on top of the Hellcat product in order to secure the third shift. “Twelve-thousand units isn’t enough to solidify the need for an entire third shift,” said Layson. “But it’s more work.” Automotive News reports production looks set to begin in 2027 with a debut for the vehicle the following year. “Maybe on the lots by September of next year,” said Layson. “Definitely on the lots for the spring selling season of 2028.” The current Charger, the reigning North American Car of the Year, is built at Windsor Assembly. The V8 was cancelled in 2023 with the all-electric Charger Daytona launched the following year. According to reports, the Daytona has sold only 767 units in the U.S. this year, down 90 per cent from last year. According to Layson, the Hellcat is realistic because of recent fuel regulation rollbacks by the U.S. government. “It just allows them to make more powerful engines, higher profit margin vehicles that pay for the research and development of the things that are going to come to us in the future such as electrification and hybrids,” said Layson. Poilievre makes Windsor stop This Charger news comes as Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre paid a visit to Windsor and held news conference at the riverfront before a planned trip to Detroit. “Today we’re crossing the river to Detroit. We’re going to fight for Canada and we’re going to fight for you,” said Poilievre. The Conservative leader looked to offer some reassurance as Windsor Assembly workers feel anxious over the bargaining impasse, the plant’s three-week shutdown, and the U.S.-launched trade war continuing to disrupt everyday life. “We have a plan that can get us tariff free trade with the U.S. and can get you back your job in autos, steel, lumber, and other trade dependent industries so, my message is keep the hope, keep the fight, we’re with you all the way,” said Poilievre.
