Next-Gen Jeep Cherokee Trades Mexico For America, Arrives Sooner Than You Think

Reuters reports Ford, GM, and Stellantis are preparing a lobbying push ahead of upcoming U.S.-Mexico trade talks. They warn a proposed rule requiring 50% U.S.-made content for lower tariffs, plus a higher North American threshold, could add at least $2 billion in annual costs per company. GM expects $2.5B to $3.5B tariff gross expenses this year; Ford estimates about $1B net hit.

Stellantis will invest over $800 million to restart its Belvidere, Illinois plant, with the next-generation Jeep Cherokee as the first confirmed program. Pilot vehicles are expected in H1 2028 and customer production in H2 2029. The company says it spent $60 million+ through July 2026 on upgrades and will support affected workers under existing agreements.

Reuters reports Unifor received notice from Stellantis that it is considering selling its Brampton, Ontario plant. Brampton closed for retooling in 2024, was to reopen in 2025 for Jeep Compass, but production shifted to Illinois after Trump tariffs. Unifor contract talks with Stellantis cover Brampton, Windsor and Etobicoke; current contract expires Sept. 20.

The Trump administration announced a $3 billion federal investment in U.S. critical-minerals projects tied to EV and battery supply chains, including a $1.4 billion conditional Pentagon loan to Sila Nanotechnologies for silicon anode materials. Lithium Americas received the first $435 million draw from a $2.23 billion DOE loan for Thacker Pass. Other funding includes graphite and magnet projects.

Detroit automakers say proposed changes to a revised U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade deal could raise costs by at least $2 billion annually per company, Reuters reported. The U.S. wants 50% U.S.-made content for lower tariffs and higher North American content. GM expects $2.5B to $3.5B gross tariff expenses this year; Ford estimates about $1B net. Ford will shift Lincoln production to U.S. from China.

Detroit automakers warned that proposed changes to the U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade deal could add billions in annual costs. A 50% U.S.-made content rule and higher North American content could raise expenses by at least $2B per automaker, on top of existing tariffs. GM expects $2.5B-$3.5B gross costs; Ford estimates about $1B net. Ford will shift Lincoln production from China to U.S. factories.