Dec. 19, 2025 | The week’s top stories and Stellantis Canada President Trevor Longley
About this episode
Trevor Longley, the new President of Stellantis Canada, shares insights on his new role and the challenges facing the automotive industry in Canada. He discusses the surge in hybrid vehicle sales, the need for more affordable options in Stellantis' lineup, and the operational status of the Brampton assembly plant. Longley emphasizes the importance of adapting to market demands, particularly in electrification and pricing strategies, while also reflecting on the legacy of Chrysler in Canada. The episode provides a comprehensive look at the current landscape of the Canadian automotive market.
Hybrid sales surge; AutoCanada’s new COO; hope for Stellantis Brampton. Plus, Stellantis Canada President Trevor Longley on his new role and what he learned while at Nissan Canada. He also discusses affordability, product, tariffs, Canadian manufacturing, and more.
Stellantis
"Today on the show I speak with New Stellantis Canada President Trevor Longley. He talks about his new role, what he learned while at ESAN Canada..."
Stellantis is a big car company that makes many different vehicles, like cars and trucks. It was created when two large companies joined together.
Stellantis is a multinational automotive manufacturer formed from the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and Peugeot S.A.S., producing cars, trucks, and commercial vehicles worldwide.
plug-in hybrids
"Plug-in hybrids largely held their ground. They claimed three-point 8% market share last quarter..."
Plug-in hybrids are cars that can run on gasoline or electricity. You can plug them in to charge the battery for short trips.
Plug-in hybrids combine an internal combustion engine with a battery that can be charged from the grid, allowing short electric-only driving.
battery electric vehicles
"Battery electric vehicles were the big loser. They accounted for 5.5% of registrations in the third quarter this year..."
Battery electric vehicles are cars that use only batteries for power, so they don't have a gas engine and produce no exhaust fumes.
Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) are cars that run solely on electricity stored in batteries, producing zero tailpipe emissions.
Otto Canada Inc.
"In executive news, dealership group Otto Canada Inc. this week appointed a new chief operating officer."
Otto Canada Inc. is a company that owns several car dealerships where people can buy new cars.
Otto Canada Inc. is a dealership group operating multiple vehicle dealerships across Canada, responsible for selling new cars and supporting customers.
assembly plant
"And finally on the manufacturing front, there still appears to be hope for Stellantis Brampton assembly plant."
An assembly plant is a factory where parts of cars are put together to make complete vehicles.
An assembly plant is a factory where vehicle components are assembled into finished cars before distribution.
Jeep Compass
"The automaker announced in October it was moving planned production of its Jeep compass from Brampton to Illinois."
The Jeep Compass is a small SUV that can handle light off‑road adventures and daily driving. It’s made by the company that owns Jeep, a brand known for rugged vehicles.
The Jeep Compass is a compact crossover SUV produced by the American automaker Stellantis under its Jeep brand. It combines off‑road capability with everyday practicality and has been sold worldwide since 2006.
Chrysler minivan
"...literally every other driveway had a Chrysler minivan in it. You know that we would load in and parents would cart us around to sports..."
A minivan is a large, boxy car with sliding doors that can seat many people. Chrysler made several models of these vans in the 1990s and early 2000s.
A minivan produced by Chrysler, a division of Stellantis, that was popular in Canada for family transport and daily commuting.
OEM
"I think it like you could work for any OEM and you'd see that it's a volatile time..."
OEM means the company that first makes a car or part. For example, the parts you buy for your car might come from the same company that built the whole vehicle.
Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) refers to the company that originally builds a vehicle or component before it is sold under another brand.
supply chain shortages
"...there was at least five once in a century type of things that happen with COVID and supply chain shortages..."
When there are supply chain shortages, it means the factories can't get all the parts they need on time. This can delay car production and make cars more expensive.
Supply chain shortages refer to disruptions in the production and delivery of parts and materials, often caused by events like pandemics or geopolitical issues.
Jeep Cherokee
"I look at prices across the brands and I just happen to pull some of the Jeep Cherokee cheapest Jeep at 42 three"
The Jeep Cherokee is a small SUV that many people buy for its good handling and off‑road ability. It’s a common choice for families who want something bigger than a sedan but not too big.
The Jeep Cherokee is a compact crossover SUV produced by Stellantis (formerly Fiat Chrysler). It’s known for its off‑road capability and has been a popular entry‑level SUV in the U.S. market.
small SUV
"We say that there's no question we're missing some options right now from an affordability perspective but those are coming quickly and so I would say like the big opportunity for us is obviously that what we call mid size some call small SUV"
Small SUV is a car that’s bigger than a sedan but still gets good gas mileage.
A small SUV is a compact crossover vehicle that offers more cargo space than a sedan while maintaining relatively good fuel economy.
mid size
"We say that there's no question we're missing some options right now from an affordability perspective but those are coming quickly and so I would say like the big opportunity for us is obviously that what we call mid size some call small SUV"
Mid size means the car is bigger than a small car but not as big as the largest cars.
In automotive terms, 'mid size' refers to vehicles that are larger than compact models but smaller than full‑size ones, typically offering a balance of space and efficiency.
entry level
"I don't know how much you can tell me about this but you know all names are some products but Ford Maverick Ford Ranger GMC Canyon Chevy Colorado Toyota Tacoma"
Entry level means it’s the cheapest version of a car, so you can buy it more easily.
'Entry level' describes a vehicle that is the most basic and affordable option within a brand’s lineup, often with fewer features but lower price.
Ford
"I don't know how much you can tell me about this but you know all names are some products but Ford Maverick Ford Ranger GMC Canyon Chevy Colorado Toyota Tacoma"
Ford makes cars and trucks, including the Maverick and Ranger.
Ford is an American automotive company known for models like the Maverick, Ranger, and many others.
Chevy
"Ford Maverick Ford Ranger GMC Canyon Chevy Colorado Toyota Tacoma"
Chevy is a brand under General Motors that makes cars and trucks, like the Colorado.
Chevrolet, often called Chevy, is a division of General Motors that makes vehicles like the Colorado.
muscle car
"I mean obviously we've had a you know a dearth of that muscle car performance car for for a little bit here and there's some pent up demand..."
A muscle car is a fast American car that usually has a big V8 engine and is built for speed on straight roads.
A muscle car is a high‑performance, typically rear‑wheel drive American sedan or coupe equipped with a powerful V8 engine and designed for straight‑line speed.
full electric
"...talk about like full electric. I just think it's going to happen a bit slower..."
A full electric car uses only batteries and electricity to move, so it doesn't need gasoline at all.
A full electric vehicle (EV) runs solely on electricity stored in batteries, with no internal combustion engine.
EV
"...by the way if you're driven EV like you know consumers that have been driven EV they're fantastic vehicles..."
EV means a car that runs on electricity instead of gasoline. It's also called an electric car.
EV stands for Electric Vehicle, a car powered entirely by electric motors and battery packs.
charging infrastructure
"...Before we get charging infrastructure in place and make it beneficial for consumers to purchase and test EV..."
Charging infrastructure is the places where you can plug an electric car to charge its battery, like charging stations on highways or in parking lots.
Charging infrastructure refers to the network of stations and equipment that allow electric vehicles to recharge their batteries.
Dodge Charger
"I believe we're the only company making a battery electric vehicle in Canada which is the Dodge charger and it's a compelling vehicle"
The Dodge Charger is a big car that Dodge makes. Here it’s the first electric version of that car, meaning it runs on batteries instead of gasoline.
The Dodge Charger is a full‑size sedan produced by the American automaker Dodge. In this context it refers to the company’s first all‑electric version, which is notable as a Canadian EV launch.
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