Retiring just months ago, Tim Kuniskis was the Fiat-Chrysler executive behind Dodge's meteoric rise as a performance brand between 2014 and 2023. With Stellantis in turmoil, he has now returned. Following the resignation of the conglomerate's CEO, Carlos Tavares, Kuniskis is back as the head of Ram Trucks, which he led along with Dodge before departing the company last year.
In the context of the automotive industry, this is a fairly shocking turn of events. It represents Stellantis' desperation to right the ship. Sales year-over-year are down double digits, and the company seems willing to do almost anything to stop the bleeding.
Full-sized trucks are a vital part of every American automaker's business. They offer high margins and impressive sales—a combination key to funding a transition to electric vehicles. Ram's 2024 sales are in a sorry state, though, along with most of the rest of the brand. With fierce competition from Ford and GM, it's going to be a tall order to get the ball rolling again.
Kuniskis has a lot of experience, though. He spent 32 years at the Auburn Hills automaker before departing, leading every brand from Alfa Romeo to Chrysler. In fact, it's a little surprising he wasn't brought in as Stellantis' new CEO. His resume is impressive, and judging by his impressive record, he could be a key contender for the job.
In any case, the Ram brand is likely glad to have him back. We're about to see if Kuniskis can turn things around in a hurry.
