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Ram 1500 EcoDiesel HFE ekes out another mpg, creeps toward 30

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The idea of a fullsize pickup knocking on 30-miles-per-gallon highway was impressive last year when Ram announced its 28-mpg figure for the Ram 1500 EcoDiesel. For 2015, the company has figured out how to nudge that number up slightly higher for a new HFE version of the diesel model. The mileage tops the segment and beats the nearest competitor by 12 percent, according to the truckmaker.

The 1500 EcoDiesel HFE bumps up the standard version's economy numbers by one mpg across the board for an impressive EPA rating of 29 mpg highway, 21 mpg city and 24 mpg combined. The special model is based around the Quad Cab body with rear-wheel drive and a six-foot, four-inch bed and mixes features from the Trademan and Express trims, including optional body-color bumpers. The right combination of 20-inch wheels, side steps and a tri-fold tonneau cover provides the formula to improve the aerodynamics and increase mileage. Mechanically, the truck has been left alone with the 3.0-liter diesel V6 still making 240 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque and routing through an eight-speed automatic gearbox.

Like gasoline, diesel fuel prices have been on the decline in recent weeks, though the fuel still runs significantly more per gallon than gas. It's intriguing to see Ram going after buyers who hope to eke the best economy from their trucks. The EcoDiesel HFE will go on sale late in the first quarter of 2015, and brand spokesperson Nick Cappa tells Autoblog pricing will be announced soon. Check out a video of Ram CEO Robert Hegbloom unveiling the this fuel-sipping pickup at the 2015 Detroit Auto Show and read the official announcement below.

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Ram Has "Turned Up the Eco" on Fullsize Truck MPGs ... to 29

Ram 1500 EcoDiesel HFE increases highway MPG rating to 29
EcoDiesel tops next nearest competitor by 12 percent
21 MPG City and 24 MPG Combined are highest EPA ratings for any pickup
EcoDiesel HFE will be first diesel powertrain offered in Ram 1500 Express model


January 13, 2015 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - The Ram Truck brand today announced that it will add a new, more fuel-efficient model to its half-ton truck lineup and further extend its claim on the industry's highest fuel efficiency rating.

The 2015 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel HFE will deliver the highest fuel economy among all fullsize truck competitors -- 12 percent higher than the next-closest competitor. Its "HFE" designation is Ram's way of highlighting this model's excellent fuel efficiency.

Ram EcoDiesel HFE gets an EPA-certified 29 mpg highway fuel economy rating. EcoDiesel HFE's city and combined mpgs are 21 and 24, respectively, also highest among all pickups.

"Fuel efficiency is at the top of truck buyers' priorities, and Ram is the recognized benchmark for the industry," said Bob Hegbloom, President and CEO – Ram Truck Brand. "Twenty-nine miles per gallon cuts through the clutter. Ram invested in powertrain technologies and those are paying real dividends in the wallets of our customers."

The fuel economy king features a unique trim package on the popular Ram 1500 Tradesman Quad Cab four-door body, with a 6-ft. 4-in. bed and 20-inch wheels. The Ram EcoDiesel also is available with a body-colored fascia adopted from the Ram Express model, which gives the Ram EcoDiesel HFE a sporty exterior appearance not offered on other EcoDiesel-powered Ram 1500s. Class-exclusive wheel-to-wheel side steps and a tri-fold tonneau cover offer owners a double-bonus: greater functionality and best-in-class aerodynamics contributing to better fuel efficiency.

"The Ram 1500 EcoDiesel delivers dominant fuel efficiency across five configurations and nine trims," said Mike Cairns, Director – Ram Truck Engineering. "The Quad Cab is a widely purchased configuration which delivers the best aero benefit of any half-ton truck."

Ram 1500 EcoDiesel HFE models will also get a new HFE badge that heralds its MPG claims.

The EcoDiesel HFE will go on sale late first quarter of 2015.

Ram 1500 -- the most recognizable pickup on the road -- delivers best-in-class fuel economy with a truckload of pioneering, fuel-saving systems and first-in-segment technologies: TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission, stop-start system, thermal management system, pulse-width modulation and active aerodynamics, including grille shutters and air suspension. The Ram 1500 delivers an outstanding combination of best-in-class fuel efficiency, unsurpassed torque and a surplus of towing capability.

The EcoDiesel-powered Ram 1500 earned a 29 mpg rating from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the best highway-cycle test result ever achieved by a full-size, half-ton pickup. It also exceeds the EPA highway rating for the top-ranked small pickup.

Ram truck offers models designed for a wide range of buyers, including outdoorsmen, tradesmen, first-time buyers and ranchers. Laramie, Laramie Longhorn and Laramie Limited trims are designed to meet the high expectations of affluent pickup truck buyers looking to combine capability with sophistication. Featuring premium materials, such as full-leather seating, real wood interior components and modish design, Ram offers a refined luxury alternative uncommon in pickups.

About Ram Truck Brand
Since its launch as a stand-alone division in 2009, the Ram Truck Brand has steadily emerged as an industry leader with one goal: to build the best pickup trucks and commercial vehicles in the industry.

Creating a distinct identity for Ram Trucks has allowed the brand to concentrate on core customers and features they find valuable. Whether focusing on a family that uses a Ram 1500 day in and day out, a hard-working Ram 3500 Heavy Duty owner or a business that depends on its Ram ProMaster commercial van every day for deliveries, Ram has the truck market covered.

In order to be the best, it takes a commitment to innovation, capability, efficiency and durability. Ram Truck invests substantially in its products, infusing them with great looks, refined interiors, durable engines and exclusive features that further enhance their capabilities.

Moving into the 2015 model year, Ram continues to beat the competition in the two most sought-after titles, fuel economy and towing capacity:
Best-in-class fuel economy with exclusive EcoDiesel - 28 mpg with Ram 1500
Best-in-class towing capability - 30,000 pounds with Ram 3500
Best-in-class payload – 7,390 pounds with Ram 3500
Best-in-class torque – 865 lb.-ft. with Ram 3500 equipped with Cummins

Truck customers, from half-ton to commercial, have a demanding range of needs and require their vehicles to provide high levels of capability. Ram trucks are designed to deliver a total package.

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