Stellantis announced the appointment of Tim Kuniskis as CEO of its Ram brand, a strategic move aimed at addressing the sharp decline in sales of its best-selling and most profitable product, the Ram pickup.
Kuniskis, who retired in May after nearly 32 years with Stellantis, is stepping back into leadership as the company grapples with an 18% drop in Ram pickup sales this year. This decline is partly attributed to Stellantis's inventory leaning heavily toward higher-priced models, while consumer demand has shifted toward more affordable vehicles.
Kuniskis previously managed both the Dodge muscle car and Ram brands, playing a pivotal role in Dodge's ongoing shift toward electric muscle cars.
His return to Ram is part of a larger shakeup within Stellantis’s leadership, which includes North American operational changes following the departure of CEO Carlos Tavares on Dec. 1. Tavares stepped down after the company reported disappointing financial results and faltering sales, with the board citing differing visions for Stellantis’s future.
In addition to its pickup line, Ram oversees a variety of commercial vans and trucks.
Kuniskis is no stranger to navigating challenges in the automotive industry. His decades-long career with Stellantis provides him with a wealth of experience in revitalizing brands and managing transitions during periods of market uncertainty.
The company hopes this leadership shift will not only stabilize Ram’s position but also strengthen Stellantis’s overall presence in the competitive North American automotive market.
