Stellantis to update future plans for Kokomo plant
KOKOMO, Ind. (Inside INdiana Business) — Automotive manufacturer Stellantis says it will share an update on its transmission operations in Kokomo on Thursday. Few details are available, though Governor Eric Holcomb and Kokomo Mayor Tyler Moore will be on hand for the announcement.
Stellantis was formerly known as Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and rebranded after FCA’s merger with France-based automaker Peugeot.
The 3.1 million-square-foot facility in Kokomo, which began production in 1956, currently assembles eight-speed transmissions for a variety of Jeep, Dodge, and Chrysler vehicles. It also produces components for nine-speed transmissions.
While specifics of the announcement have not been detailed, it will be followed by Governor Holcomb’s ceremonial signing of House Bill 1168.
The bill, authored by State Representative Mike Karickhoff (R-Kokomo), establishes the Electric Vehicle Product Commission, comprised of members of the Indiana General Assembly, as well as representatives of the auto industry, labor union, Energy Systems Network, the Battery Innovation Center, and Indiana Chamber of Commerce.
The commission is designed to evaluate the inventory of existing electric vehicle product facilities and production capability, evaluate the inventory of skilled and non-skilled workers in the industry, as well as opportunities and needs for training, and identify opportunities for industry growth in Indiana, among others.
Indiana Secretary of Commerce Brad Chambers and leaders from United Auto Workers will also be on hand for the announcement, which is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. Inside INdiana Business will have more information as it becomes available.