In a bold move to reclaim market share, Stellantis has unveiled the redesigned Ram heavy-duty truck lineup. With years of declining sales casting a shadow over the brand, the company is placing its hopes on significant updates to the Ram 2500 and 3500 pickups, as well as chassis cab trucks. The aim is clear: reinvigorate consumer interest, boost sales, and enhance the company’s profile in the highly competitive truck market.
The freshly redesigned Ram heavy-duty trucks come packed with substantial upgrades, both stylistically and mechanically. One of the most significant changes is the introduction of a new 6.7-liter Cummins turbo diesel engine, which promises an impressive output of 430 horsepower. This engine also boasts a best-in-class torque rating of 1,075 foot-pounds, making it a powerful choice for consumers who engage in heavy towing and hauling. Accompanying this powerhouse is the familiarity of the 6.4-liter Hemi V-8, offering a respectable 405 horsepower and 429 foot-pounds of torque.
Moreover, along with these mechanical enhancements, the exterior and interior designs have undergone comprehensive overhauls, aiming to provide drivers with a more modern and comfortable experience. The attractive new styling is expected to draw in consumers looking for both aesthetics and robust functionality in their heavy-duty vehicles.
Despite the optimism surrounding the new Ram heavy-duty trucks, Stellantis faces formidable challenges. The Ram brand recently reported a disheartening 19% drop in sales year-over-year, with their flagship Ram pickup line experiencing a 16% decline. This downturn starkly contrasts the more stable performance of competitors like Ford and General Motors, which reported no significant changes in their pickup sales figures.
Tim Kuniskis, CEO of Ram, openly acknowledged the brand’s struggles, attributing much of its sales slump to the sluggish rollout of the redesigned Ram 1500, which faced delays that hindered broader market penetration. He noted candidly, “We’ve been getting our ass kicked,” emphasizing the need for swift and effective action to turn things around.
The new Ram heavy-duty trucks are slated for arrival at U.S. dealerships in the first quarter of the year, with a price increase of approximately $2,300 over existing models. Starting at around $47,560, this pricing strategy aims to position the trucks competitively within the market while delivering value through enhanced features and capabilities.
As the heavy-duty segment is particularly lucrative for American automakers, the stakes are extraordinarily high. With various models available, including Tradesman, Big Horn/Lone Star, and Limited versions, Stellantis hopes to cater to a wide range of customers seeking different levels of performance and luxury.
In a transformative year on the horizon, Stellantis’ redesigned Ram heavy-duty trucks are emblematic of resilience and a forward-looking strategy. By addressing past shortcomings and delivering impressive upgrades, the automaker is poised to reconnect with consumers and potentially reverse the trend of declining sales. As the launch date approaches, the unfolding narrative will determine whether these powerful machines can reclaim their rightful place in the competitive truck landscape.