In a shocking turn of events, 400 technology workers at Stellantis were left reeling after receiving an unexpected email on Thursday evening instructing them not to report to work the following day. Instead, they were required to attend a mandatory remote operational meeting, only to be blindsided by devastating news—their jobs were being terminated en masse.

One such employee, a mechanical engineer who requested anonymity, expressed his disbelief at the sudden events. “The news felt like a punch in the gut,” he lamented. Others echoed his sentiments, finding themselves abruptly unemployed after years of dedicated service to the company.

Stellantis, however, maintains that these actions were necessary to “better align resources while preserving the critical skills needed to protect our competitive advantage.” In a statement to FOX 2 Detroit, the company emphasized its commitment to implementing its EV product offensive and Dare Forward 2030 strategic plan.

Yet, employees and industry experts alike speculate that the real motive behind the mass firings may be tied to outsourcing practices. According to some workers, Stellantis has been increasingly outsourcing jobs to countries like India, Mexico, and Brazil under the guise of cost efficiency and profitability.

As hundreds of employees grapple with unemployment uncertainty, questions arise about the broader implications for the auto industry. An automotive reporter at Fox 2 highlights carmakers’ challenges, including the costly transition to electrification and new UAW contracts.

While Stellantis insists that the reductions are necessary for long-term viability, critics argue that the company’s actions do not indicate broader economic trends. Other carmakers have also made cuts in recent months, making it clear that the industry is undergoing significant transformation.

The news is a bitter pill for affected employees, especially considering the government bailout the company received during the bankruptcy era. As Stellantis moves forward with its restructuring efforts, the ripple effects of these mass firings serve as a stark reminder of the volatile nature of the automotive industry and the challenges ahead.