Drive a Ford to Work? Stellantis Might Ticket Your Car

Brand Pride

If you work for a major brand, you’re expected to take it seriously in terms of brand loyalty. This loyalty entails using the brand’s products as much as possible. There are even some companies that offer preferential perks to those who remain loyal, while those who don’t are often overlooked.

It’s now coming to light that a major automotive manufacturer is implementing strict rules for using its own brand products rather than competitors’ cars. This issue is going viral and sparking debate.

Stellantis Cars Only

Stellantis is one of the world’s largest automotive groups, with a diverse portfolio of car brands under its umbrella. Recently, it mandated that all employees return to on-site work five times a week. With all employees now returning to work on-site, parking spaces have become an issue.

Some employees are complaining that they are being issued tickets by security for parking in slots designated for Stellantis group cars only. These employees are also saying that lots where competitor cars are allowed to park are being downsized and fill up quickly with more employees now vying for the spots.

Part of the reason this is now going viral is that the automaker’s hybrid work setup previously ensured sufficient slots were available in most lots assigned to non-Stellantis cars. According to some employees, while the ticket is more of a warning and doesn’t come with a fine, if they add up, there’s a possibility your car could be booted by security. Meaning the owner would have to call the manager to have the boot removed, which would be embarrassing.

Common Practice

In a report by the Wall Street Journal, a Stellantis spokesperson said that employees must adhere to posted signage and communications about proper parking spots. One employee even posted that security officers enforcing the rules need a history lesson. This comes after he was issued a ticket for parking his Eagle Talon sports car, which, coincidentally, was a Chrysler-owned brand back in the ’90s.

This parking rule isn’t isolated to just Stellantis, though; it seems to be common practice for the big American carmakers. Originally, this rule was to help boost internal sales and pride within the company, encouraging employees to buy the products they help build and sell.