Tim Kuniskis, CEO of the Ram and Dodge brands, is retiring after 32 years with Stellantis as the company faces challenges in U.S. sales during the transition to electric vehicles. Stellantis has seen a 14.1% decrease in sales through April, while the industry as a whole has seen a 3.1% increase. Kuniskis was known for his work with high-performance American cars, including the powerful Challenger SRT Demon. He recently unveiled two battery-powered versions of the Charger muscle car, signaling a shift towards electric vehicles for the company.
As Kuniskis retires, Chris Feuell will take over as the CEO of the Ram brand, in addition to her current role leading the Chrysler brand. Matt McAlear will become the CEO of the Dodge brand, bringing his experience in Dodge sales and the automotive industry. Both brands are struggling with the phase-out of old gas-powered models in favor of electric vehicles. Dodge sales have decreased by over 17%, and the brand is also selling the Hornet small SUV, made in Italy, which has not gained traction in the market.
Ram sales have also declined by over 29% as a Michigan factory is retooled to build a new full-size pickup truck. Kuniskis’ departure will be felt due to his passion and vision for the Dodge brand, but S&P Global analyst Stephanie Brinley believes that someone else at Stellantis can continue to champion the brand. The future of Dodge muscle cars is undergoing a transformation, and success will depend on product execution and aligning the brand’s vision with customer expectations.
At a recent event showcasing the new electric Chargers, Kuniskis displayed a gas-fueled Charger with a new 3-liter six-cylinder engine producing 550 horsepower. He defended the decision to continue offering gas-powered vehicles, emphasizing that consumers need choices. Kuniskis also pointed out that the electric muscle cars will prioritize performance over efficiency and have a similar sound to gas-engine vehicles. Despite criticism from environmental groups, Kuniskis believes that the electric Charger is designed for performance and should be valued as a battery electric vehicle.
Stellantis’ global vehicle shipments fell by 10% in the first quarter, with revenue dropping by 12% due to lower sales as the company launches 25 new models this year, including 18 electric vehicles. Chief Financial Officer Natalie Knight expressed confidence that the new models will drive growth and profitability in the second half of the year. Kuniskis’ departure marks a significant change for Stellantis, as the company navigates the shift towards electric vehicles and works to maintain its position in the competitive automotive market.
