Ram Gets a New Leader: What to Expect from Tim Kuniskis
In the world of automotive news, executive title changes are a dime a dozen. However, the recent reshuffle at Stellantis, the parent company of Ram, has caught our attention for one very good reason: the new head of Ram, Tim Kuniskis, was responsible for the development of the 1,000+ hp Dodge Challenger Demon 170.
Kuniskis was at the helm of Dodge during the testing and validation of the Challenger Demon 170, a car with four-figure power output and enough swagger to make a stop sign pregnant simply while driving past. Multiple engines were grenaded during the project, plus a few other parts of the 170’s drivetrain. This pushed its unveiling back by a few months, but Kuniskis apparently egged on the team until they chased away all the boogeymen. It would have been easy enough just to cancel the project and give up; after all, Dodge will sell every Challenger it can make ahead of sunsetting the model at the end of this year. They didn’t need a 1,025-horse monster as its exclamation point – but that’s exactly what the crew achieved.
This is why the news of Stellantis placing Kuniskis at the helm of Ram is notable. With the onslaught of electrification around the corner, plus the brand potentially moving into new segments (read: A Maverick-fighter called the Rampage), having someone in the driver’s seat with that level of tenacity will be entertaining and good for product.
## What to Expect from Kuniskis at Ram
Ram is a brand that has been on a roll in recent years, with strong sales and a reputation for building some of the best trucks on the market. With Kuniskis now in charge, what can we expect from Ram in the coming years? Here are a few possibilities:
### More High-Performance Trucks
Kuniskis is known for his love of high-performance vehicles, and it’s likely that he will bring that passion to Ram. While Ram already offers the 702-hp TRX, there is always room for more power. Kuniskis may push for a Ram truck with even more horsepower, or he may look to develop a high-performance version of the upcoming Rampage.
### A Focus on Innovation
Kuniskis has a reputation for being a forward-thinker, and he may bring that mindset to Ram. With electrification becoming more prevalent in the automotive industry, it’s likely that Kuniskis will push for Ram to develop more electric vehicles. He may also look to incorporate new technologies into Ram trucks, such as advanced driver-assistance systems and connectivity features.
### A More Engaging Brand
One of the things that sets Kuniskis apart from other automotive executives is his ability to connect with enthusiasts. He is known for being outspoken and animated, often delving into useful stories about a vehicle’s development instead of dryly reading from a meticulously prepared PR script. This makes for a better – and more human – interaction with people trying to write about a new vehicle, one which lends a dose of realness to what can be a very sanitized environment. It’s likely that Kuniskis will bring this same level of engagement to Ram, making the brand more relatable and appealing to enthusiasts.
## The Future of Ram
With Kuniskis now at the helm of Ram, the future looks bright for the brand. While it’s unclear exactly what changes he will make, it’s likely that we will see more high-performance trucks, a focus on innovation, and a more engaging brand. As electrification becomes more prevalent in the automotive industry, it will be interesting to see how Kuniskis incorporates this technology into Ram trucks. One thing is for sure: with Kuniskis in charge, Ram is in good hands.
