Stellantis Seeks To Sell Auburn Hills HQ Amidst Historic UAW Strike: Report

The United Auto Workers (UAW) strike in the United States, currently the largest in history, has brought to the forefront the contentious labor negotiations between the organization and major automakers. In the midst of this ongoing dispute, Stellantis, the company behind Jeep, Dodge, Alfa Romeo, and many other brands, has reportedly made a bold proposal to seek the unilateral right to sell its North American headquarters and technical center in Auburn Hills, Michigan, along with 17 other facilities.

According to an article by The Detroit News, this proposal is part of Stellantis' fourth counteroffer to the UAW, and it has raised concerns about the future of these facilities and the impact on workers and communities. The company is not only one of the largest automakers in the United States but also the largest employer in Auburn Hills. It's essential to note that this proposal doesn't necessarily indicate that Stellantis is abandoning Auburn Hills. Instead, according to the publication, it offers the company flexibility and options for the future of its 500-acre campus, which includes labs, engineering facilities, and design studios. The Auburn Hills headquarters has historical significance as it was formerly Chrysler's world headquarters.

The UAW represents salaried employees at this location, and any decision to sell it would require the union's approval. Stellantis is also contemplating similar actions for several other facilities across the United States. This proposal came shortly before the UAW declared a strike at Stellantis' Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator plant in Toledo, Ohio, along with Ford's Bronco and Ranger plant in Wayne and General Motors’ Wentzville midsize pickup and commercial van plant outside St. Louis.

The Situation At Ford And GM:

"We are proud to be the home of the Stellantis North America Headquarters. As Stellantis stands as the largest employer in our thriving community, we recognize the importance of addressing recent reports surrounding the closure of 18 US facilities. To date, we have received no indications or information suggesting that Stellantis intends to shut down its headquarters in our city," Auburn Hills Mayor Kevin McDaniel said