in , ,

DODGE CEO TIM KUNISKIS TO ALSO OVERSEE RAM TRUCKS

Outgoing Ram CEO Mike Koval Will Go On To Oversee Mopar

Tim Kuniskis Dodge Ram CEO
Image copyright Steven Pham, Muscle Cars & Trucks.

Dodge Ram. It might not be called that anymore, but at least one person at Stellantis will have both of those names on their business card. Tim Kuniskis, widely known as the current CEO of the Dodge brand, will also assume responsibilities of the entire Ram truck brand within the United States. He will replace Mike Koval, who will go onto head Mopar North America. Koval will report to Stellantis North America Chief Operating Officer Mark Stewart. These new roles are effective starting July 1.

While the name is used by enthusiasts as a catch-all to describe Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep, Ram and even Plymouth products, Mopar is actually the parts and accessories division for those brands, as well as historically being the banner selling all sorts of warranty-backed performance upgrades. Today, we also see names like Jeep Performance Parts and Dodge Direct Connection filling those roles.

Mike Koval Jr. 2025 Ram 1500 REV electric pickup truck
Mike Koval Jr.,Ram Brand CEO, right, unveils the 2025 Ram 1500 REV at the 2023 New York International Auto Show.

It’s not immediately clear why Kuniskis will be taking on the added responsibilities on top of leading Dodge though a major transition, but perhaps the future product lineup in a year or two will help it make sense.

“These changes demonstrate that the diversity of talent and experience inside Stellantis’ top executive team make it possible to adapt our leadership team to address the challenging business environment while continuing the success story that this team has built over the past two and a half years with the focused execution of the Dare Forward 2030 strategic plan,” said Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares in a press release.

Looking ahead, Tim Kuniskis will be overseeing two brands undergoing major change.

At Dodge, we see the end of an era as both the Challenger and Charger as we know it sunset after the 2023 model year. These vehicles, as well as the Hellcat V8, were paramount to growing the brand’s cachet. In their place will be an all-electric Dodge muscle car, as previewed by the Charger SRT Daytona Banshee Concept. Other vehicles, such as a full-sized next-gen Durango and midsize Dodge Stealth SUV are also expected. As for the Chrysler FCA Stellantis truck brand that was once part of Dodge, it’s expected to soon offer a Hurricane twin-turbo engine under the hood of the Ram 1500 here in the USA, as well as the all-electric REV pickup, and a midsized electric truck, as well.

2024 2023 Dodge Charger Challenger Barracuda Cuda 'Cuda EV Electric Muscle Car Vehicle Tim Kuniskis STLA Large Platform
Tim Kuniskis teasing a future Dodge product during Stellantis EV Day.

Written by Manoli Katakis

Muscle Cars & Trucks was founded by Manoli Katakis - an automotive media veteran that has been covering the latest car news since 2009. His journalism has uncovered dozens of major product changes, updates, plans, and cancellations long before automakers were ready to make things official.

Some highlights over the years of his reporting include the uncovering of the Zora trademark before anybody else reported on the coming of a mid-engine Corvette, as well as the dead-accurate reporting of the coming of the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2, two years before it hit the market, and even before the debut of the concept vehicle. This type of reporting has immediately continued here, with reports of the original seventh-generation Camaro plans being shelved, as well as what's in store for the Chevrolet Silverado.

Some of his work can be found on massive automotive media outlets, such as Motor1. He also has been a guest on the 910AM Radio Station with Detroit News auto critic Henry Payne, as well as the enthusiast-oriented Camaro Show podcast.

Over the years, Manoli has interviewed various automotive industry titans, leaders, and people that make things happen otherwise. These include figureheads such as GM CEO Mary Barra, GM President Mark Reuss, automotive aftermarket icon Ken Lingenfelter, Dodge firebrand Tim Kuniskis, along with various chief engineers of vehicles such as the Ford F-150 & Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro & Corvette, and many more.

At MC&T, Manoli is taking his journalism expertise, deeply planted sources, driving abilities, and automotive industry knowledge to new levels, covering more vehicles and brands than ever before. This is the place where you will continue to read groundbreaking stories about American performance vehicles, pickup trucks, and sport utility vehicles. Here is where you’ll also read insights and quotes from various automotive subject matter experts on the latest relevant products, as well as some of the latest official news from their manufacturers.

Fun facts: he also once beat Corvette Racing driver Tommy Milner in an autocross with a Chevrolet Bolt EV. The biggest vehicle he’s ever driven is a John Deere mining truck. Besides a go-kart, the smallest vehicle he’s driven has been a Hyundai i10. He’s also spent time in the cockpit of various American performance vehicle icons, including the fifth-generation Chevrolet Camaro Z/28, Dodge Challenger Demon, and Ford Mustang GT350R. He has reviewed dozens of trucks, SUVs, and performance vehicles over the years.

One of his favorite new vehicles on the market today happens to be the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Bison. He is also a card carrying member of the Sports Car Club of America, and regularly participates in Detroit Region autocross events.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

2023 2024 2025 2026 Ram Rampage Toro 1200 1000 700 Stellantis small unibody pickup truck usa canada brazil mexico north america argentina

NEW RAMPAGE TRUCK DEBUTS TO FIGHT FORD MAVERICK, JUST NOT IN USA

UP NEXT: A FORD RANGER PLUG-IN HYBRID