According to ClickOnDetroit (WDIV), substantial layoffs are coming to the Auburn Hills headquarters of FCA US, the former Chrysler Group, which was the former Chrysler Corporation. Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares said he was aiming his cost-cutting directly at the Auburn Hills complex, and also said there were “at least two” production plans needing a “significant turnaround.” European plant managers are being dispatched to these plants.
To try to match Chinese automakers’ costs, Tavares said they need a 30% cut in Stellantis costs. The French and Italian branches of the company are also being pruned. ClickOnDetroit quoted industry commentator John McElroy as saying that thousands of people would like to be affected, and that the headquarters tower would likely be sold (despite being attached to the engineering centers and development laboratories).
ClickOnDetroit claimed the cuts would take effect by the end of next month. They were unable to contact Stellantis for comments.
The original plans for the Chrysler Technology Center (CTC) did not include a headquarters tower; that was added later. One insider claimed it was because the executives were envious of the brand new digs enjoyed by engineers, technicians, designers, and testers. When the executives moved to Auburn Hills, they had their old headquarters and engineering buildings, including underground corporate archives, bulldozed into obscurity.
CTC references: Innovation Factory: The Chrysler Technology Center • Creating the CTC
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