WASHINGTON, Jan 22 (Reuters) - Chrysler parent

Stellantis ( STLA ) is moving forward with plans to build a

new midsize pickup truck in Belvidere, Illinois, the company

said on Wednesday.

In August, Stellantis ( STLA ) said it was delaying its planned

investments at the Illinois plant. Stellantis ( STLA ) in 2023 agreed to

build a new $3.2 billion battery plant and invest $1.5 billion

in Belvidere to build new midsize trucks by 2027. The

Italian-American automaker told employees about the investment

plans on Wednesday in a memo seen by Reuters.

Stellantis Chair John Elkann met with President Donald Trump

last week and touted the company's U.S. strategy.

The Belvidere factory has been a battleground for the United

Auto Workers union since its six-week strike against Detroit's

automakers in late 2023.

In September 2024, the union filed unfair labor practice

charges against the automaker, partly because it said Stellantis ( STLA )

was delaying planned investments into a new battery plant and

factory in Belvidere.

A company spokesperson said on Wednesday the new midsize

truck is "planned to take full advantage of our multi-energy

strategy," including options for a gasoline-powered vehicle,

plug-in hybrid and electric vehicle.

Production of the Dodge Durango has also been a sticking

point between the union and company, with the union previously

claiming Stellantis ( STLA ) planned to offshore production of the

three-row SUV.

Stellantis ( STLA ) is moving forward with plans to build the

next-generation Dodge Durango at its assembly complex in

Detroit, the company said in the memo.