Electric trucks, a factory launch and a massive merger: Illinois auto industry travels new roads in 2020
From electric trucks and startups to international megamergers, the state of the fast-evolving auto industry in Illinois comes down to a tale of three cities: Normal, Belvidere and Chicago.
Plants in all three cities will be building SUVs - by far the largest segment of auto sales - but their paths forward will be shaped by radically different forces.
In downstate Normal, a hibernating auto town is eagerly awaiting the rebirth of a long-dormant plant, as electric truck startup Rivian flips the switch and begins production of its inaugural models. Still reeling from the loss of a third shift, the Fiat Chrysler plant in Belvidere now faces a massive merger with Peugeot. And fresh off a $1 billion renovation, Ford's Chicago assembly plant is at full speed heading into 2020.
Both Fiat Chrysler and Ford recently ratified four-year contracts with the United Auto Workers, avoiding the prolonged strike that shut down General Motors for 40 days before reaching an agreement in October.
But a future that includes everything
