DETROIT – Stellantis has announced the retirement of Tim Kuniskis, the CEO of its Dodge and Ram brands, after a distinguished 32-year career with the automaker and its predecessors. Kuniskis, renowned for his leadership in North America, has been a pivotal figure in the rebranding of Dodge as a quintessential American muscle car manufacturer. He is often credited as the “father” of Dodge’s high-performance Hellcat models and the “unofficial spokesman” for American muscle cars.

Kuniskis has overseen the transformation of Dodge with iconic vehicles such as the Challenger and Charger Hellcat models, each boasting over 700 horsepower, and the controversial Challenger Demon drag race cars. His tenure has solidified Dodge’s reputation as a leading American muscle car brand.

In the wake of Kuniskis’ departure, Chrysler brand CEO Christine Feuell will assume leadership of both the Ram and Chrysler brands. Matt McAlear, previously Dodge’s sales lead, will be promoted to brand CEO and join Stellantis’ top executive team. These changes will take effect on June 1, as announced by the company.

Stellantis is undergoing a significant restructuring, which includes layoffs and cost-cutting measures. The company has faced challenges with U.S. sales, which declined by 1.2% last year in a market that saw a 12.3% growth. According to Motor Intelligence data, Stellantis was the only major automaker to report a year-over-year sales decline.

“I want to take the opportunity to warmly thank Tim for his passion, commitment, and contributions to Stellantis and in defining the vision of the future electrified Ram and Dodge brands. I wish him well in his retirement,” Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares said in a release. “I am confident that Christine will continue Tim’s work in leading the iconic Ram brand. Matt will bring a fresh perspective while continuing to draw on the heritage of our iconic Dodge brand and leading the transition of the brand toward a sustainable future.”

Despite limited investment in all-new products for Dodge, Kuniskis, with his sales and marketing expertise, successfully grew awareness and sales of the brand’s Charger, Challenger, and Durango models. Dodge consistently generated interest by enhancing V-8 engine performance and launching new “buzz” models.

Kuniskis has been part of Stellantis’ top executive team since the company’s inception through the merger of Fiat Chrysler and French automaker PSA Groupe in January 2021. He also served on the top board for Fiat Chrysler under the leadership of the late CEO Sergio Marchionne.

Kuniskis’ retirement is part of a broader series of changes within Stellantis since its formation. Recent changes include a reshuffle of Jeep’s top executives, North America head Mark Stewart leaving to become CEO of Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co., and a restructuring of the company’s international operations, including regions such as South America and the Asia-Pacific, notably China.

Christine Feuell’s expanded role to lead both Chrysler and Ram brands signifies Stellantis’ strategic approach to leverage experienced leadership in navigating the evolving automotive industry. Feuell, who has been with Chrysler for several years, has played a key role in steering the brand towards innovative and sustainable vehicle solutions.

Matt McAlear’s promotion to CEO of Dodge brings a new dynamic to the brand. His extensive background in sales is expected to further strengthen Dodge’s market presence and drive its transition towards electrified vehicles. McAlear’s expertise in sales and marketing will be crucial as Dodge aims to balance its iconic muscle car image with the demands of a sustainable future.

Stellantis’ restructuring and leadership changes reflect the company’s strategy to streamline operations and enhance competitiveness in a rapidly evolving market. The focus on electrification, coupled with cost-cutting measures, aims to position Stellantis as a leader in the global automotive industry.

As the automotive industry advances with technological innovations and a shift towards electric vehicles, Stellantis’ leadership changes underscore the company’s proactive adaptation to these trends. The appointments of Feuell and McAlear are anticipated to drive innovation and strengthen Stellantis’ position in both the American and international markets.

In conclusion, Tim Kuniskis’ retirement marks a significant transition for Dodge and Ram. The leadership of Christine Feuell and Matt McAlear is expected to bring new vision and energy to Stellantis, guiding the brands towards a sustainable and innovative future. Their roles are pivotal in navigating the challenges and opportunities presented by the ongoing transformation within the automotive industry.