After a dramatic return to leadership, Tim Kuniskis is wasting no time putting his stamp on Ram’s future. Following a brief seven-month retirement, the former Dodge CEO is now steering the Ram brand through a pivotal period of reinvention—one that may soon include a new Ram passenger van.
In a recent interview with CNBC, Kuniskis teased the unexpected development as part of Ram’s larger product revival strategy. The potential passenger van joins a growing list of bold moves under Kuniskis’ renewed leadership, including the reintroduction of the Hemi V8 engine in the Ram 1500, a revised timeline for the all-electric Ram 1500 REV, and confirmation of a long-awaited mid-size pickup truck.
A New Passenger Van from Ram?
Currently, Ram offers the ProMaster exclusively as a cargo van in the U.S., with a two-row “Crew” configuration available but no true passenger version. Its European cousin, the Fiat Ducato, is offered in multiple seating layouts including full passenger van configurations. Ram’s smaller ProMaster City—previously available as a passenger van—was discontinued in 2022, leaving a gap in the lineup.
Kuniskis didn’t confirm what shape this new passenger model would take, but the possibility of a return to the minivan or commercial passenger van segments is now officially on the table. “We’ve got over 25 announcements coming between now and the end of 2026,” he told CNBC, further hinting at a deep product strategy shift across Ram’s portfolio.
Why It Matters: Ram’s Sales Slump and Stellantis Pressure
The return of a Ram-branded passenger van isn’t just about filling gaps—it’s a potential lifeline for a brand facing serious headwinds. Ram’s overall sales have dropped 39% since 2019, and the all-important Ram 1500 has been losing ground in the competitive full-size pickup market.
These challenges reflect wider turmoil within parent company Stellantis, which has struggled with U.S. market competitiveness under former CEO Carlos Tavares. CNBC highlights Ram as potentially Stellantis’ most critical brand, given the profitability of trucks in North America.
With the electric Ram 1500 REV delayed, and rivals like Ford and GM already pushing ahead with electrified van offerings, Ram needs a bold answer to stay relevant—and a passenger van could be part of the solution.
Passenger Van Market Landscape
If Ram enters the passenger van segment, it would join a space with few active competitors. Currently, Ford (Transit), Mercedes-Benz (Sprinter), and GM (Chevrolet Express / GMC Savanna) dominate the commercial passenger van niche. These models primarily serve fleet buyers, shuttle operators, and large families.
A more lifestyle- or family-oriented offering would push Ram toward the minivan segment—one still led by the Chrysler Pacifica (another Stellantis product), Toyota Sienna, Honda Odyssey, Kia Carnival, and the newly introduced Volkswagen ID. Buzz electric van.
A Ram-branded minivan would not only compete with its own sibling Pacifica but could also explore rugged or off-road variants in line with Ram’s brand image, much like how the Ford Transit Trail targets adventurous van-lifers.
Read Also : Nissan Qashqai e-Power 2025 Hybrid Debuts with 1,200 KM Range
What’s Next ?
Kuniskis’ roadmap for Ram is ambitious. In addition to the potential passenger van, the company is:
- Developing a new mid-size pickup truck, slated for launch in 2027.
- Reintroducing the Hemi V8 engine in select Ram 1500 models.
- Rolling out a new powertrain warranty touted as the best in class.
- Rejoining NASCAR via the Truck Series to reconnect with performance fans.
- Delaying but refining the all-electric Ram 1500 REV, promising competitive range and features.
With over 25 major product updates coming before the end of 2026, the return of Kuniskis signals more than just nostalgia—it’s a reboot of Ram’s identity at a time when Stellantis desperately needs wins in the U.S. market.
Specifications Table: Current Ram Van Landscape
| Model | Type | Available Seating | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| ProMaster | Cargo Van | 2–5 (Crew option) | No full passenger version in U.S. |
| ProMaster City (Discontinued) | Compact Van | 2–5 | Passenger version ended in 2022 |
| Fiat Ducato (Europe) | Passenger Van | Up to 9 | Related to Ram ProMaster, EU-only |
Conclusion
As Ram attempts to turn around years of sales declines, the teased Ram passenger van could serve as a fresh opportunity in an under-served segment. Whether it’s a rugged minivan or a commercial shuttle, the move would reinforce Ram’s growing ambitions beyond pickups. Under Tim Kuniskis’ revived leadership, Ram’s future looks anything but predictable—and that’s exactly the point.
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