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A 25 per cent tariff on cars and light trucks imported to the U.S. went into effect starting today (April 3).

But even before the tariffs kicked in, Stellantis auto manufacturer responded to the tariff with the temporary layoff of thousands of Unifor Local 444 members at Windsor Assembly Plant and additional layoffs in Mexico and at U.S. facilities.

The Windsor plant makes the Chrysler Pacifica and Voyager minivans, and Dodge Charger Daytona vehicles.

Unifor Local 444 members were informed of a two-week plant shutdown beginning April 7, with additional schedule changes expected in the coming weeks.

“Unifor warned that U.S. tariffs would hurt autoworkers almost immediately and in this case the layoffs were announced before the auto tariff even came into effect,” Unifor president Lana Payne . “Trump is about to learn how interconnected the North American production system is the hard way, with autoworkers paying the price for that lesson.”

In a , Stellantis shared it was temporarily laying off 900 workers at five U.S. facilities after tariffs were announced.

The auto tariff on all non-U. S. content in Canadian-made vehicles started today.

Unifor represents more than 4,500 Stellantis workers at the Windsor plant, with additional members employed in the auto parts supply chain, including Unifor members at Local 195.

In February, Stellantis also alerted Brampton assembly plant workers it was temporary pausing work on the next generation Jeep Compass, which was supposed to start in the fall.

Layoffs announced at Stellantis

“Our members are concerned for their jobs and frustrated by the uncertainty that these unjust and needless tariffs are creating across the industry,” Local 444 president James Stewart . “We are prepared to fight for our jobs with the full backing of Unifor members across the country.”

Unifor has called for increased supports for workers impacted by the trade war and for strong retaliatory action against the U.S.

“The U.S. is targeting Canada’s economy sector by sector, starting with steel, aluminum and auto,” Payne said in the release. “Canada needs to respond swiftly and strategically to halt Trump’s attempt to steal jobs and pick off industries one by one.”

How other auto manufacturers are responding to Trump’s tariffs

Honda

At Honda in New Tecumseth, the company said its manufacturing facility remains operational as it prioritizes more than 4,000 manufacturing associates and long-standing business operations in Canada.

“We are working with our manufacturing, parts, trade and logistics providers across North America to understand the impact of the announced U.S. tariffs and we will adopt a measured, thoughtful approach to actively address both immediate and future effects, ensuring our continued success in Canada,” the company . “Since 1986, we have consistently maintained manufacturing operations in Canada while safeguarding our skilled workforce through various industry challenges. We are confident in our ability to navigate current market conditions effectively.”

General Motors

General Motors has not shared any layoff announcements, but did report a strong first quarter April 1.

Chevrolet, Buick, GMC

Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac dealers delivered 74,005 vehicles in the first quarter of 2025 — an increase of 17.3 per cent over first quarter 2024 sales, the company .

“GM Canada kept our sales momentum going, growing our market share to lead the industry for 11 consecutive quarters, driven by strong sales across all our brands,” said Shane Peever, vehicle sales, service and marketing vice-president. “The entire Cadillac portfolio grew by 63.5 per cent compared to first quarter 2024, our trucks and mid-size SUVs continue to lead the competition, and more new customers are choosing GM electric vehicles for performance and affordability.”

“Our Oshawa assembly plant has started production of the Chevrolet Silverado HD ZR2 edition. Canada loves trucks and our manufacturing team is ready to meet the demand,” the company .

Toyota Canada

Toyota Canada also , and said the Canadian market was down overall. It sold 50,835 vehicles during Q1, down 11.2 per cent year over year, with 22,756 vehicles sold in March, down 6.3 per cent from March 2024.

Toyota Canada spokesperson Philippe Crowe told the Toronto Star the company is continuing to work with federal and provincial governments toward “a sustainable solution” and the company plans to maintain its production here.

Its Cambridge and Woodstock plants employ more than 8,500 employees.

Ford Motor Company

The Ford Motor Company has an assembly plant in Oakville, which employs approximately 3,600 people.

It has not shared any word of upcoming layoffs or business plans.

Last summer, the company announced it would make its popular F-series Super Duty pickup trucks in Oakville beginning in 2026, putting 1,800 employees back to work, but it had also dropped plans to produce electric SUVs at that plant, which was supposed to start in 2027.

Discounts offered in U.S.

Meanwhile, Ford has announced discounts to U.S. customers starting today.

Ford will offer employee pricing — a discounted rate available to its workers — to all customers, the company confirmed. The program is called the “From America for America” plan, and is available to U.S. shoppers, according to .

Some vehicles, including the Super Duty trucks, are exempt. The promotion runs until June 2, Ford said.