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2019 Ram 1500 Laramie Drivers' Notes Review | King of the hill

The 2019 Ram 1500 is the newest full-size truck to the market, though the upcoming 2019 Chevy Silverado isn't too far off. We've driven a few models so far, from the base-spec Tradesman up to the kitted-out Limited variant. Modern trucks are expected to do everything from towing a boat, hauling mulch or carrying a family of five on an extended road trip. The days of simple, single-minded trucks have long since passed. Our tester this week is a mid-grade Laramie model. It has quite a few creature comforts — heated and ventilated leather seats, front buckets, a larger Uconnect infotainment screen — along with features like blind-spot monitoring, parking sensors, automatic high beams and a bedliner. There's no moonroof, wireless charging or heated second row seats, but it's still extremely well appointed, especially compared to its forebears. That said, it doesn't come cheap. All in, this truck costs just under $55k. Editor-in-Chief Greg Migliore: The 2019 Ram 1500 is simply the best truck in the market. It's powerful, comfortable, brash and the embodiment of what a full-size pickup should be. The Hemi V8 is always the first thing I notice when I test one, and it's smooth and potent in this 4X4 Laramie. Ram has wisely expanded its engine selections in recent years, though the V8 remains my favorite. The Ram's design always grabs me. It's generally the buffest looking truck in the segment, though at times in the last decade or so it has veered into cartoonish proportions. For 2019, it's a clean look with smooth lines and curves that convey a sense of power. I Love the new grille, and Rams always have a good deal of chrome — that's cool with me. Inside, this model was surprising quiet, underscoring the premium vibes. The latest version of Uconnect works well and is intuitive. Plus, there's a nice balance of knobs, buttons and dials. Everything is easy to use and understand. The leather looks and feels upscale, the seats are comfy yet supportive, and the configurable center console is a clever feature. This Ram is fairly loaded up, but even when we tested a more basic Tradesman a few weeks ago, I had similarly favorable impressions. It's an all-star truck. Associate Editor Reese Counts: I really hate to simply parrot what Greg said, but I'm quite enamored with the Ram. It really is the best of the bunch.

Recharge Wrap-up: Ram 1500 EcoDiesel earns RMAP Truck of the Year, GM earns Energy Star awards

Jas Hennessy & Co, maker of Hennessy Cognac, has taken delivery of 45 electric vehicles from Renault at its headquarters in Cognac, France. The 23 Zoes and 22 Kangoo ZEs are to be used by employees traveling between the company's sites, and replace 80 percent of the company's internal combustion fleet. "For many years now, Jas Hennessy & Co has been actively working to reduce its environmental impact," says Hennessy Operations Manager Marc Sorin. Hennessy also recently bought an electric boat to take visitors across the Charente River to the company's aging cellars. Read more from Renault. General Motors has earned two Energy Star awards from the EPA. The automaker earned the Energy Star Partner of the Year award for Sustained Excellence for efforts in energy efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions. For example, GM has achieved a global reduction of energy intensity by six percent, and has invested $34 million in energy, water and carbon reduction projects at its facilities. GM also earned the EPA Energy Star Climate Communications award for its outreach to employees, customers and stakeholders about energy efficiency and climate change. Read more from General Motors. The 2015 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel has been named Truck of the Year by the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press Association. The Ram truck beat out the Chevrolet Silverado Heavy Duty and GMC Canyon to earn the honors at the Denver Auto Show. The Ram 1500 EcoDiesel boasts a fuel economy of 21 mpg in the city, 29 mpg highway and 24 mpg combined. Ram attributes the truck's efficiency to features like its eight-speed transmission, stop-start system and active aerodynamics. Rocky Mountain Automotive Press Association Names 2015 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel 'Truck of the Year' and 2015 Chrysler 200 'Car of the Year' AUBURN HILLS, Mich., April 8, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- - Denver-based journalist organization announces the awards at the Charity Preview for the Denver Auto Show - Winners are chosen from a field that includes every significant new car and truck introduced in the last year - Each eligible vehicle is evaluated and voted on by the members of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press - The 2015 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel, America's most fuel-efficient pickup, earned a 29 mpg rating from the U.S.

Chrysler Group moves around execs in wake of recent departure

Chrysler is busy shuffling executives around in the wake of Ram head Fred Diaz's departure. The automaker has named Reid Bigland (pictured, right) as Diaz's successor in the role of president and CEO of Ram, though Bigland will continue his duties as the head of US sales and the president and CEO of Chrysler Canada. Bigland first came to Chrysler in 2006 from Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation, so the guy knows a thing or two about trucks.
Meanwhile, Timothy Kuniskis will take over as president and CEO of Dodge. Previously, he served as the head of Fiat in North America and has been with Chrysler in one capacity or another since 1992. His old title now falls to Jason Stoicevich, who will also continue to work as the director of the automaker's California Business Center. Finally, Bruno Cattori will take over as the president and CEO of Chrysler Mexico.
Diaz left his position to take over as a divisional vice president of sales and marketing with Nissan. You can read the full press release on the Chrysler personnel changes below for more information.