Automaker Stellantis’ decision to transfer planned production of its Jeep Compass from Brampton to the U.S. — putting 3,000 Canadian jobs in doubt — is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Canadian concerns about the move.

Equally alarming is that the US $13-billion plan announced by Stellantis on Tuesday to increase auto production in America by 50% over the next four years in Illinois — where the Jeeps will be built — Ohio, Michigan and Indiana, de-emphasizes its future production of EV vehicles.

“Unlike previous multibillion-dollar investment pledges,” reported TC TechCrunch transportation editor Kirsten Korosec, “this one doesn’t focus on electrification” with EVs taking a “backseat” in Stellantis’ plan.

In response to anger expressed by Prime Minister Mark Carney, Ontario Premier Doug Ford and Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown — with the feds now threatening to sue Stellantis — the company insists it’s still committed to Canada and is in talks with the government about future plans for the Brampton plant, as well as adding a third shift at its Windsor plant.

Nonetheless, Stellantis’ move calls into question the wisdom of earmarking up to

© Edmonton Sun