Belvidere mayor says market – not push for EVs – should decide what’s built at assembly plant
By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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BELVIDERE — Mayor Clint Morris is calling on the state and federal government to assist Stellantis in retooling the Belvidere Assembly Plant for whatever vehicle the automaker thinks will sell, whether that’s an electric product or not.
Morris’ comments were made after Stellantis confirmed last month that it has delayed its plans for the idled Belvidere Assembly Plant, which initially targeted 2027 for production of a new vehicle. It would also have an electric vehicle battery plant and parts distribution center. There is no new timeline, and the United Auto Workers have threatened a national strike over the delay.
The state and federal government have created hundreds of millions of dollars worth of incentives to help Stellantis convert the plant into electric vehicle production, something proponents see as key to the long-term future of autowork in Belvidere.
Morris said the government shouldn’t subsidize a product that’s not selling, or it risks putting Belvidere back in the same position years from now if the plant is retooled for a vehicle consumers don’t want.
“Marketing a great product desired by consumers, not dictated by politics or unnecessary restrictions is how we best achieve a successful marketplace,” Morris said. “In my opinion, building a better mousetrap that the consumer beats a path to is preferable to government subsidizing one that is not selling.”
He pointed to Ford, which reported $2.5 billion in losses in its Model e electric vehicle division through the first half of the year. Ford has canceled plans for a three-row electric SUV and pushed back plans for a new electric pickup. That’s indicative of the need to let the marketplace decide on what Stellantis should make in Belvidere, Morris said.
“As the mayor of Belvidere, I support the success of Stellantis. I want the company, as well as every business, to be successful and not be hampered by unnecessary governmental restrictions, mandates or otherwise,” Morris said. “In turn, I believe good-paying jobs will return and flourish in Belvidere and plant employees benefit.”
Morris said he has long advocated for a hybrid model.
“Hybrids seem to be selling and they’re efficient, and they would be the next logical step I would think before you continue to mandate that they build an electric vehicle,” he said.
Morris, an Independent, said freedom in the marketplace should be supported by Republicans, Democrats and Independents alike.
“Let the consumer decide and end worker casualties,” he said.
This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on X at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas and Threads @thekevinhaas
