- Tim Kinisus, known for his significant contributions to Dodge, has stepped down as CEO amid ongoing turmoil.
- Dodge is facing rampant quality control problems, with many vehicles requiring significant reworks before leaving the factory.
- A significant number of US-based engineers have been laid off, leading to less than ideal working conditions in manufacturing facilities.
- Matt McClear is stepping in as CEO for Dodge, while Christine Fuel takes on double duty for Chrysler and RAM.
- There is speculation that Kinisus’s departure involved a golden parachute, a large sum of cash offered in exchange for stepping aside and signing an NDA.
Once a powerhouse in the automotive industry, Dodge now finds itself embroiled in turmoil. Tim Kinisus, the revered CEO known as The Godfather of the Hellcat V8, has stepped down, leaving a cloud of uncertainty over the company’s future.
Quality control issues are rampant, with a significant number of US-based engineers being laid off. Despite rising profits and executives pocketing substantial bonus checks, Dodge factories and the entire company appear to be in disarray.
Tim Kinisus’s voluntary retirement came just before the launch of the new Charger, a pivotal moment when Dodge announced the end of V8 engines in favor of twin-turbo 6-cylinders and electrified versions.
This transition was accompanied by massive layoffs of US-based engineering staff, leading to reported problems within manufacturing facilities and less than ideal working conditions.
Allegedly, many vehicles now require significant reworks before even leaving the factory, with brand new trucks failing to start and infotainment systems dead on arrival.
While parent company Stellantis reported its highest profits ever, these gains seemingly came at the cost of massive layoffs and forcing employees to work under less-than-perfect conditions. The key question remains: is this the beginning of the end or a new beginning for Dodge?
Tim Kinisus’s legacy spans 32 years with the company, longer than most of us have been alive. Known for iconic innovations like the Hellcat V8, his influence on Dodge’s product line is undeniable. Despite the narrative of him bowing out alongside the retiring Hem V8, many journalists and internet personalities believe there’s more to the story.
Speculation abounds that Kinisus grew fed up with Stellantis’s business practices and was ousted with a golden parachute. In corporate terms, a golden parachute refers to a large sum of cash offered in exchange for signing an NDA and stepping aside to avoid alarming shareholders.
Kinisus’s departure leaves a void, and Matt McClear is stepping in to fill his shoes for Dodge, while Chrysler CEO Christine Fuel takes on double duty for Chrysler and RAM.
The challenges ahead for Dodge are significant. Stellantis has made substantial shifts in its North American operations, including high-level executive changes.
Co Mark Stewart left to become CEO of Goodyear Tire, replaced by Carlos Zarlinga, who previously headed Mexico operations. Jeff Hines replaced Jason Stokovic as president of Stellantis Canada, and Jeff Comr was appointed senior VP of commercial sales.
Quality control issues at Dodge factories are substantial, with many vehicles needing rework before leaving the factory. Assembly workers have reported numerous problems, including short wiring harnesses causing strain on connectors and leading to vehicle failures.
Stellantis’s decision to hire engineers from Brazil, India, and Morocco, while cost-effective, has raised concerns about their ability to address these issues effectively.
The “last call” situation for the Charger and Challenger, where buyers paid premiums in hopes of appreciation, only to see production windows extended, has led to disillusionment.
The 2021 Durango SRT Hellcat, initially limited to 3,000 units, saw increased production in 2023, driving down the value of the earlier models.
The future of Stellantis and its brands remains uncertain. Despite having some of the best-performing vehicles in the market, internal issues and their handling leave much to be desired. As car enthusiasts, we hope Dodge and the rest of Stellantis can weather this storm and return to creating the beloved cars we cherish.
