2022 Ram Promaster 1500 136 Tempest X Wheelchair Handicap Van W/ Folding Bed on 2040-cars

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Ram boss thinks midsize truck could fit in the lineup

The execs at Ram are changing their tune about the possibility of a midsize truck in the US. Nothing is certain yet, but the chances now look a little more favorable. "I think there's opportunity there in the US if you look at what's happened in the mid-size segment here – significant growth last year," Jeep and Ram boss Mike Manley told the Detroit News. "I think that space is big enough, certainly, to have two offerings there." The other product that Manley alludes to is the forthcoming Jeep Wrangler-based pickup that's due in 2017. However, there might not be much customer overlap between the Jeep and those looking for a more traditional Ram-branded model. Manley admitted the most likely candidate for a midsize Ram would be for the company to use an existing Fiat platform, according to the News. One possibility could be rebranding the Fiat Toro pickup, but it's rather small at 20-inches shorter than a Chevrolet Colorado. This greater openness to a midsize Ram is a complete change from the company's position in the past, though. Last spring, the brand's CEO for North America said he couldn't find a strategy to make the model work. FCA boss Sergio Marchionne made the same point in 2014, when he admitted the company showed a Ram 1000 at design clinics, but the response was "lukewarm." Over the past couple years, the midsize truck market has a renaissance of fresh products. The Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon are successes both critically and commercially. The latest Tacoma is on sale, and the new Honda Ridgeline is imminent. We know Nissan has a Frontier successor under development, and there are always rumors of Ford reviving the Ranger in the US. With so much development in the segment, it's easy to see why Ram would want to be at the party. Related Video:

Ram adds 3 more special edition pickup models for 2022

Ram trotted out three new special editions Thursday at the kickoff of the State Fair of Texas, including a revival of the Southfork package, the new (Ram) Red, and the flashy TRX Ignition Edition. Yes, Ram does a lot of special editions. Welcome to trucks. Ram says all three models will hit showrooms before the end of the year.  Southfork returns for 2022 on the Limited model, rather than on the Laramie as it did a few years ago. As we reported previously, it effectively replaces the Limited Longhorn 10th Anniversary Edition model that was offered for 2021 and incorporates a multi-function tailgate, a deployable bed step, spray-in bed liner, a metal pedal kit and Falken Wildpeak All-Terrain tires. It comes with an exclusive Mountain Brown interior, standard bucket seats and suede door bolsters with leather insert and a laser filigree detail. MSRP starts at $63,315 (including $1,695 for destination).  The remaining two models are new entries. The (Ram) Red package commemorates Stellantis' pledge to help the Global Fund fight health emergencies in partnership with (RED). It's a fairly on-the-nose package with several red-tinted elements along with (RED) badges outside and in, and can be added to Limited Crew Cab models with either of the two available Hemi V8s or the EcoDiesel with a starting price of $64,945. Next up is the TRX Ignition Edition, which appropriately samples some of the supertruck's existing popular options and slaps them together with some unique aesthetic elements. Inside, you'll find orange contrast stitching and “TRX” seat back embroidery, copper carbon fiber accents and an orange center console badge. Feature upgrades include a HUD, a driverÂ’s screen depicting a TRX in Ignition Orange, and pedestrian emergency braking. You get a special set of (18-inch) wheels in addition to the obvious graphics package. There's also a panoramic sunroof and some other exterior goodies (spray-in bed liner, cargo tie-downs, bed step, LED cab-mounted brake light). Ram says it will only build 875 examples of the Ignition Edition. The TRX Ignition Edition will set you back at least $93,280 ... if you can even find one.   

NHTSA is investigating FCA shifters for roll-away accidents again, this time the rotary units

It seems FCA's shifter troubles aren't over yet. Now, just a few months after issuing a recall to resolve user-related issues with its monostable shifters, the company is again under investigation by NHTSA. The issue is related to the potential for cars to roll away when the rotary-style shifter is not properly placed in park. Two FCA models are the subject of this investigation: the 2013–2016 Ram 1500 and the 2014–2016 Dodge Durango. NHTSA estimates about 1,000,000 vehicles would be affected if a recall is issued. The investigation was started following 43 complaints of vehicles rolling away while supposedly being in "park." Among the complaints were reports of 25 crashes and 9 injuries. NHTSA does point out that in every incident, the parking brake was not engaged. A representative from FCA also gave us an official statement regarding the investigation: "FCA US is cooperating fully with NHTSA's investigation, the scope of which is limited. Other vehicles equipped with rotary shifters are not included. In accordance with prudent practice, the Company joins NHTSA in urging all drivers to use their vehicles' parking brakes." View 35 Photos As mentioned above, other Chrysler products with rotary shifters, such as the Pacifica minivan and 200 sedan, are not involved in this investigation. One of the key differences, as the representative told us, is that these vehicles have electronic parking brakes that automatically engage if the driver does not select park and then opens the door with the seatbelt unbuckled. The Ram 1500 and Durango feature mechanical, manually operated parking brakes and therefore cannot activate the brake automatically. Because this is currently an investigation, an exact cause for the incidents has yet to be determined, and none of the vehicles have been recalled. It's possible there could be a mechanical defect. However, the issue could be a confusing interface causing user error, as was the case with FCA's monostable shifters, where drivers think they've put the car in park but actually haven't. Something that indicates it could be a case of confused users is that NHTSA also opened an investigation into 2012–2014 Jaguar XF and Land Rover Range Rover Evoques for similar issues. Both vehicles use a rotary shifter and have had roll-away complaints levied as well. Even if it is a case of user error, FCA and Jaguar Land Rover may still have to recall their vehicles.