Ram Pickup

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles is pushing back the date of the next major update for one its most profitable vehicles the Ram pickup, the next major update will happen in 2017.

The reason for moving the update back a year Reid Bigland the Ram brand chief stated that the current version of the Ram pickup which debuted in 2003 has been on a upward path outpacing General Motors, Ford and import brands.

According to Bigland since 2009 the Ram pickup has gained a North America market share of 10% and the 2013 sales were up from 257,000 to 463,000.

The Ram’s success is credited to the truck’s fuel efficient diesel and gasoline engines and the many features the truck offers such as improving the rough ride common with trucks, Ram’s leaf spring suspension was replaced by coil spring rear suspension which makes for a smoother ride, a cargo box storage system located in the rear fenders and is unique to the Ram pickup. Let’s not overlook the fuel economy of the optional EcoDiesel 3.0 liter engine that’s almost compact car-like, along with the ability to tow 9,200 pounds.

Last year Ram entered the North American commercial van segment with the ProMaster, which is based on one of Europe’s best selling cargo vans the Fiat Ducato. After capturing 18% of the North American market the ProMaster is set for further growth. 

 This year a 3.0 liter diesel engine will be added to the ProMaster and in the fall a smaller cargo van called the ProMaster City will be released in the North America. The ProMaster City was based on the Fiat Doblo and it will compete with the Nissan NV200, the Chevrolet City Express and the Ford Transit Connection.