Windsor, Canada – Automaker Stellantis has announced the postponement of production for the Dodge Charger Daytona R/T at its assembly plant in Windsor, Ontario, for the 2026 model year. The company explicitly stated that it continues to assess the detrimental effects of disruptive US tariff policies on its operations. Despite this setback for one model, Stellantis confirmed it will proceed with the production of other versions of the electric Dodge Charger muscle car at the same facility, assuring that there will be no impact on employment at the Windsor plant.
Dodge CEO Matt McAlear indicated the company’s immediate focus would be on the Charger Daytona Scat Pack, alongside the introduction of a new four door Charger model for the 2026 model year, and the forthcoming Charger Sixpack models set to launch in the latter half of the year.
The postponement comes as no surprise to automotive analyst Daniel Ross, who described the Dodge Charger R/T model as “a tough vehicle to sell in the market.” Ross, a senior manager of auto industry insights at Canadian Black Book, elaborated that “a two door electric vehicle in this market and this climate for affordability is a really tough sell.” He further noted that within the enthusiast niche, electric vehicles (EVs) generally face resistance, as many consumers in this segment “bleed gasoline” and it is “not necessarily an electric vehicle’s haven for adoption.” The Dodge website currently lists the starting price of the model at $57,790 (approximately £34,096). The company’s page boasts “Riveting horsepower, incredible torque, and modern tech come together for pure muscle car performance.” However, Ross pointed out that the Charger Daytona R/T is a lower performance variant compared with the Charger Daytona Scat Pack, which Stellantis intends to continue producing without interruption.
The decision to postpone the Daytona R/T production aligns with the broader challenges automakers face in adapting to the impact of US tariffs on the sector. Stellantis had previously halted work at its Windsor plant for a week earlier this month, following a two week shutdown in early April when the controversial US figure, Donald Trump, initially imposed these tariffs. Ross emphasised that domestic manufacturers like Stellantis have been severely affected by these tariffs, a factor he believes significantly contributed to the company’s decision regarding the postponement.
Beyond the tariffs, Ross suggested that Stellantis likely found it more difficult to market the Daytona R/T model in the current climate due to the unavailability of certain federal incentives. In January, Canada’s Incentives for Zero Emission Vehicles Program was paused, with Ottawa stating that it had fully committed its allocated funds. Launched in 2019, the programme offered consumers incentives of up to $5,000 (approximately £2,950) for purchasing or leasing eligible longer range plug in hybrid vehicles, or up to $2,500 (approximately £1,475) for shorter range models.
Industry Minister Melanie Joly stated on Thursday that assistance might soon be available for consumers interested in purchasing electric vehicles. Joly acknowledged that the auto sector is under immense pressure due to US tariffs, particularly at a time when demand for electric vehicles has been softening. “We said it in our platform that we would be bringing back the support programmes for electric vehicles, so we will work on this issue,” she informed reporters. “We know that it is important for our auto sector. It is also important to make sure that Canadians are able to have access to affordable electric vehicles.”
For Stellantis, the absence of these incentives has “put more pressure on this specific trim and really has required some hard questions to be asked,” Ross concluded. He admitted, “I don’t think anyone has the answers of how this car makes sense in this market today.” While expressing broader hope for EVs, Ross argued that from an enthusiast’s perspective, the Charger is “the last vehicle that should be electrified. The earlier it comes down the line, the less takers you’re going to have.”
