Vietnam’s Trade Surplus With US Jumps as Exports Surge and China Imports Hit Record 
China Extends Gold Buying Streak as Reserves Surge Despite Volatile Prices 
Dow Hits 50,000 as U.S. Stocks Stage Strong Rebound Amid AI Volatility 
RBI Holds Repo Rate at 5.25% as India’s Growth Outlook Strengthens After U.S. Trade Deal 
Bank of Japan Signals Readiness for Near-Term Rate Hike as Inflation Nears Target 
U.S.-India Trade Framework Signals Major Shift in Tariffs, Energy, and Supply Chains 
Dollar Steadies Ahead of ECB and BoE Decisions as Markets Turn Risk-Off 
Singapore Budget 2026 Set for Fiscal Prudence as Growth Remains Resilient 
Thailand Inflation Remains Negative for 10th Straight Month in January 
Silver Prices Plunge in Asian Trade as Dollar Strength Triggers Fresh Precious Metals Sell-Off 
U.S. Stock Futures Slide as Tech Rout Deepens on Amazon Capex Shock 
Fed Governor Lisa Cook Warns Inflation Risks Remain as Rates Stay Steady 
Gold and Silver Prices Rebound After Volatile Week Triggered by Fed Nomination 
Trump Endorses Japan’s Sanae Takaichi Ahead of Crucial Election Amid Market and China Tensions 
Oil Prices Slide on US-Iran Talks, Dollar Strength and Profit-Taking Pressure 
South Korea Assures U.S. on Trade Deal Commitments Amid Tariff Concerns 
Oil Prices Slip as U.S.–Iran Talks Ease Supply Disruption Fears 
Stellantis Expands Factory for Ram 1500 Production
Chrysler's parent company, Stellantis, is significantly expanding its factory complex in northern Mexico to increase production capacity for the popular Ram 1500 pickup trucks. According to a recent report from the *Wall Street Journal*, Stellantis is constructing additional facilities adjacent to its existing plant in Saltillo, Mexico.
New Construction Details
Satellite images indicate that two large buildings, each approximately half a kilometer in length, have been developed in recent months. This expansion reflects Stellantis's commitment to enhancing its manufacturing capabilities amid rising demand for the Ram 1500.
Production Plans Remain Uncertain
Despite this expansion, Stellantis has confirmed that Ram trucks will continue to be manufactured at the Sterling Heights assembly plant in Detroit. The company emphasized that no further announcements regarding the production specifics of the Ram 1500 have been made, leaving uncertainty around whether the new factory space will produce battery-powered or gas-powered models.
Job Implications and Recent Layoffs
In August, Stellantis announced plans to lay off up to 2,450 workers at the Warren Truck assembly plant, following the discontinuation of the Ram 1500 Classic truck. This decision highlights the complexities and challenges facing the automaker as it navigates shifts in production strategy and workforce management.
Stellantis has not yet responded to requests for additional comments regarding this expansion and its implications for production and employment.
By focusing on strategic expansion in Saltillo, Stellantis aims to bolster its position in the competitive pickup truck market while navigating ongoing challenges within the automotive industry.
