2012 Ram 1500 4x4 Quadcab Tradesman With Rambox Built In Tool Boxes on 2040-cars

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FCA to invest $4.5B for new Detroit plant, expanded production at current facilities

We expected some shifts in manufacturing plans as Fiat Chrysler plans to begin electrifying its Jeep brand, but this news bodes well for Michigan. FCA announced today that it would spend $4.5 billion to expand production in the state, including building a new assembly plant in Detroit and increasing capacity at five other facilities in the state. The plan, which FCA says will create nearly 6,500 new jobs, will help to meet increasing demand for Ram and Jeep products, and to electrify Jeep models. $1.6 billion will be set aside to transform the Mack Avenue Engine Complex into a site to build the next generation of Jeep Grand Cherokee, as well as an unspecified, new three-row Jeep model. FCA says this part of the plan will create 3,850 new jobs. FCA is increasing its investment in the Warren Truck plant to $1.5 billion in order to continue building the Ram 1500 Classic, as well as the new Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer, creating 1,400 new jobs. FCA says that the new Ram 1500 Heavy Duty will still be built in Saltillo, Mexico. At FCA's Jefferson North facility, the automaker will invest $900 million to upgrade the plant. This site will continue to build the Dodge Durango, as well help build the next Jeep Grand Cherokee. FCA expects this to create 1,100 new jobs. As Jeep plans to electrify models in its SUV lineup, each of the above plants will produce plug-in hybrid versions of the Jeep models produced there, "with flexibility to build fully battery-electric models in the future," the company said in its announcement. "Three years ago, FCA set a course to grow our profitability based on the strength of the Jeep and Ram brands by realigning our U.S. manufacturing operations," said FCA CEO Mike Manley, referring in part to earlier investments in Illinois, Ohio and Michigan. "Today's announcement represents the next step in that strategy," Manley continued. "It allows Jeep to enter two white space segments that offer significant margin opportunities and will enable new electrified Jeep products, including at least four plug-in hybrid vehicles and the flexibility to produce fully battery-electric vehicles." Other investments include $119 million to move production of the 3.0-, 3.2- and 3.6-liter Pentastar engines from Mack I to the Dundee Engine Plant, and $400 million for increased capacity and 80 new jobs at the Sterling and Warren stamping plants. This comes at a time when FCA's U.S.

Ram flubs ProMaster cargo capacity

The Ram ProMaster is going to look a little smaller on the inside, at least by way of its specification sheets, despite the sheet metal staying the same.
When Ram originally published the cargo capacity for its van, it simply did a direct conversion from the European rating of 15 cubic meters to 530 cubic feet. However, that didn't take into account the standard way internal measurements are calculated for the US. While the trucks have been on sale since October, the automaker just noticed the problem, and it's working on a revised figure. According to Automotive News, the new carrying ability for the ProMaster is likely between 450 and 475 cubic feet.
The difference stems from two standards for measuring capacity. In Europe, the entire internal area is determined and then obstacles like seats are subtracted from it. That means areas where freight could never go, like on top of seat backs, gets included in the figure. In the US, only the area where goods could actually fit is included, which leads to lower specs with no actual change in space.

Ram cutting EcoDiesel option for 1500 pickup

American automakers have no problem selling tons of new trucks every year, but light-duty diesel trucks are going the way of the dinosaurs that power them. Ram announced that 2023 would be the last model year it offers its EcoDiesel powertrain in the Ram 1500. The engine will be available in most configurations of the 2023 truck and can be ordered now. Ram is following Ford’s lead in discontinuing the diesel powertrain option in its full-size truck line. Ford nixed the Powerstroke option for the F-150 in 2021, and once Ram is done, only the Silverado and Sierra will be available with an oil burner option. The GM twins have the advantage of a brand-new Duramax unit, so there will likely be a diesel option on sale there for some time to come. The Ram 1500 was a pioneer in its class, as it was the first half-ton, full-size truck to offer a diesel. The powertrain got a significant overhaul in 2020 after the debut of the all-new fifth-generation Ram trucks. At 3.0-liters, the EcoDiesel V6 produces 260 horsepower and 480 pound-feet of torque.   Slow sales could be part of the decision, but as Ram CEO Mike Koval Jr. noted in the press release, the brand is looking toward electrification. Simplifying its truck lineup allows Ram the opportunity to shift resources to electric truck development. The automaker has confirmed that it will release a battery-electric truck in 2024 and says it will offer electrified options in most vehicle segments by the end of the decade. Related video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. 2022 Ram Rebel G/T | Take a closer look tailgate and bed