Stellantis N.V. Revives Hemi Engine for Ram 1500 Amid Shifts in Automotive Strategy
- Stellantis N.V. reintroduces the V-8 Hemi engine for Ram 1500, reversing last year's phasing-out decision.
- Ram's turnaround strategy includes 25 new products, with Hemi projected to account for 25% to 40% of sales.
- The Hemi's return highlights Stellantis's adaptability to market demands amid the slow transition to electric vehicles.
### Reviving the Hemi: Stellantis Reassesses Its Engine Strategy
Stellantis N.V. announces the highly anticipated return of the V-8 Hemi engine for its Ram 1500 full-size pickup trucks, set to roll out this summer. This decision marks a notable reversal from last year's move to phase out the Hemi in response to tightening fuel economy regulations and a pivot toward electric vehicles under the previous leadership of Carlos Tavares. Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis acknowledges that the discontinuation was a misstep, declaring, “Ram screwed up when we dropped the Hemi — we own it and we fixed it.” His candid admission reflects a broader recognition within the automotive industry that the transition to electric vehicles (EVs) may not proceed as rapidly as anticipated.
The reintroduction of the Hemi is part of a comprehensive turnaround strategy for the Ram brand, which includes 25 new product announcements over the next 18 months. This initiative aims to revitalize Ram's sales, which have faced challenges due to price increases and production issues. The Hemi engine is expected to represent a significant portion of Ram 1500 sales, projected at 25% to 40%. While it will be offered as a $1,200 option alongside the current Hurricane engine, which produces 420 horsepower and 469 pound-feet of torque, the Hemi engine itself delivers 395 horsepower and 410 pound-feet of torque. Despite its return, the new Ram trucks will not feature the traditional "HEMI" branding on their sides, signaling a shift in how the company markets its legacy products in a changing automotive landscape.
Kuniskis emphasizes the urgency of restoring the Hemi to the Ram lineup, noting that the initial timeline for its comeback was cut down from 18 months to just six months thanks to a dedicated team known as F15. This swift adaptation underscores Stellantis's responsiveness to market conditions and consumer preferences, particularly in light of slower-than-expected adoption rates for electric vehicles. The Hemi has been a cornerstone of the Ram brand since the 1950s, and its return is not only a significant milestone for the company but also a testament to the ongoing competition in the full-size pickup segment, where consumer demand remains robust for powerful, traditional engines.
As Stellantis navigates the complexities of the current automotive market, the decision to revive the Hemi serves as a reminder of the balance between embracing innovation and recognizing the value of established performance. Meanwhile, other automakers face their own challenges, as highlighted by Nissan's new CEO Ivan Espinosa, who calls for a flexible and collaborative approach to leadership amid fierce competition and economic uncertainty. The automotive industry continues to evolve, and Stellantis's strategic pivots reflect a broader trend of adapting to consumer needs while maintaining brand heritage.