Ram 1500 Hemi Models Fly Off Dealerships
After Carlos Tavares stepped down as CEO, Ram discontinued the Hemi V-8 in its mid-size 1500 pickups, opting instead for a new turbocharged inline-six engine. With Tim Kuniskis taking the helm of the Ram brand, the Hemi V-8 was swiftly reinstated, leading to rapid sales of these trucks.
Stellantis recently released its third-quarter sales figures for the US market. Notably, Automotive News highlighted that dealerships are reporting an average turnover of just five days for the initial stock of the 1500 Hemi models. This turnaround is exceptionally fast compared to other top-selling vehicles this year, which typically spend 20-30 days on lots.
This surge in demand reflects the preference of customers who preferred a V-8 engine over a six-cylinder option. As Hemi-equipped trucks continue to arrive at dealerships, it is expected that production will scale up to meet the growing demand.
Tim Kuniskis is likely pleased with the current performance, especially since Ram's retail sales have surged by 26% year-over-year. Although the overall brand volume has dipped by 5%, sales of the 1500 model have increased by 10%, with the return of the Hemi V-8 playing a significant role.
Stellantis' Broader Performance
Overall, Stellantis saw a 6% increase in sales, driven by strong performances from Jeep and Chrysler. The company may have benefited from customers purchasing plug-in models before the expiration of the Federal tax credit for EVs last month. While Dodge experienced a 2% decline, the Charger Daytona EV achieved its best quarter to date with 2,776 units sold, and the Durango recorded its highest sales in two decades.
Challenges Ahead
Despite these successes, Stellantis faces some hurdles. Fiat reported a modest 2% growth but sold only 321 cars in the last quarter. The new Charger struggles to match the popularity of its predecessors, and Alfa Romeo sales have plummeted by 21%.
Looking forward, the introduction of the new Jeep Cherokee and Dodge’s efforts to reintegrate the V-8 engine into the Charger are positive signs. However, Stellantis still has a considerable path to navigate to maintain its momentum.
