Brand loyalty isn't just for customers — Stellantis NV (NYSE:STLA) is now showing it matters for employees too.

As one of the world’s largest automotive companies, it should be easy for employees to find a company-made vehicle to drive to and from work. After all, Stellantis makes brands like Jeep, Ram, Dodge and Chrysler.

Yet, some employees are driving vehicles from other automotive companies. Those workers may want to wear comfortable shoes as they could end up needing to park in the farthest parking lot from the building.

According to a Wall Street Journal report, the Stellantis North American headquarters in Michigan ordered employees to return to work five days a week earlier this year. Employees who drive vehicles from Tesla, Ford, or General Motors are now receiving parking tickets.

The closest lots to the building are reserved for employees who own a vehicle from a Stellantis brand. And those employees who own a vehicle from a rival have to follow the parking rules and park somewhere else.

"Employees must adhere to posted signage and communications," a Stellantis spokeswoman told the Wall Street Journal.

Reports of employees receiving tickets have spread online, but in most cases no fines are due and it's more of a warning system. In some cases, employees are getting tickets, because security guards don't know the history of the automotive brand, as one owner of an Eagle Talon said, noting that his vehicle comes from a defunct Chrysler brand and he received a ticket.

"Employees are encouraged to contact Corporate Security if they believe a parking warning has been issues in error so it can be reviewed," the company said.

Longstanding Automotive Rule

Stellantis may not be the only company using this practice, according to the report. Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F) and General Motors Company (NYSE:GM) were also named as companies that have used this practice.

In 2021, a GM employee reportedly saw their Tesla vehicle receive a ticket for driving a "foreign" vehicle to work, despite it being manufactured in the U.S.

Given the size of the Stellantis headquarters, parking lots farther away can add an extra 20 to 30 minutes of walking, which may give extra motivation to drive a vehicle made by the company.

While tickets may not include actual fines, there is the potential that multiple tickets could lead to a fine or that a vehicle could get towed or a boot on it for too many tickets.

Imagine having to call your boss at Stellantis and explain to them that you need your Tesla vehicle unbooted.

Stellantis-Photo by The Bold Bureau via Shutterstock