Autoblog

Will Chrysler make Ram its fourth brand?

Chris Shunk — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 09:58:00 EST

2009 Dodge Ram - Click above for a high-res image gallery

Over the past dozen years, the domestic auto industry has worked hard to shrink its brands to more reasonable levels. Gone are Eagle, Plymouth, Pontiac and Oldsmobile and some would speculate that Mercury should have joined the extinction club long ago. Of course, Ford has sold off Jaguar, Land Rover and Austin Martin, while GM is in the process of jettisoning Saab, Hummer, Saturn, and Opel.

However, if Autoextremist's Peter DeLorenzo is to be believed, the Chrysler portfolio could grow instead of shrink. DeLorenzo says he's hearing rumblings around Motown that Chrysler could break off the Ram from the Dodge, with the truck line becoming a dedicated brand. Doing so would make Dodge a car outlet, while the Ram brand would be all trucks, all the time, including the Dakota.

We don't get how this could possibly be a good idea, considering Chrysler's financial position and struggling sales. Why spend money marketing a new brand, while asking battle-weary dealers to invest in more signage and differentiated floor space? At this point, its just speculation and we're hoping it stays that way.

Gallery: Review: 2009 Dodge Ram

[Source: Auto Extremist]

Will Chrysler make Ram its fourth brand? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Jul 2009 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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37,000+ Dodge Ram pickups recalled over... faulty HVAC software?!

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 12 May 2009 13:40:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Recalls, Safety, Dodge

Dodge is recalling 37,407 Ram pickups from the 2009 model year to repair faulty software that controls the manual temperature controls (not the digital dual-zone temp controller).

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the system's faulty programming can render defrosting and defogging functions inoperable, which could impinge upon visibility and lead to a crash. The recall begins next month and dealers will reprogram the module at no cost.

Back in late March, Dodge also recalled some 72,000 new Ram trucks over a windshield wiper motor defect.

You can read the full text of the recall after the jump.

[Source: NHTSA]

Continue reading 37,000+ Dodge Ram pickups recalled over... faulty HVAC software?!

37,000+ Dodge Ram pickups recalled over... faulty HVAC software?! originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 May 2009 13:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dodge recalling 72,000 Rams and nearly 17,000 Journeys from 2008-09

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 15:59:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Recalls, Safety, Crossover, Chrysler, Dodge

The 2008 and 2009 Dodge Ram and 2009 Dodge Journey are being recalled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, each for a different reason. The Ram's windshield wiper motor isn't adequately protected from water, so it could fail completely due to water intrusion. Initial numbers suggest 72,138 Rams are affected. The fix is a stop at the dealership to have some vented wiper motor housings installed.

Some 16,852 Dodge Journeys that do not have the optional 115-volt auxiliary power outlet are also being recalled. The unused electrical connector for that optional component could potentially cause a fire. It's the second fire-related recall for the Journey, and akin to the unused connector issue that affected the Town & Country and Grand Caravan. Dealers will remove the fuse and reroute the wiring. Full info on both recalls is available after the jump.

Gallery: Review: 2009 Dodge Ram

Gallery: Review: 2009 Dodge Journey R/T

[Source: NHTSA: Ram, NHTSA: Journey]

Continue reading Dodge recalling 72,000 Rams and nearly 17,000 Journeys from 2008-09

Dodge recalling 72,000 Rams and nearly 17,000 Journeys from 2008-09 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Mar 2009 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: 2009 Ford F-150 versus 2009 Dodge Ram

Chris Shunk — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 12:59:00 EST

Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, Truck, Videos, Dodge, Ford

Click above to watch video after the jump

The pickup market may be contracting, but the trucks themselves are better than ever. Two substantially new full-size trucks have gone on sale recently, the 2009 Ford F-150 and 2009 Dodge Ram, and we've already had the chance to park both in the Autoblog Garage for a week. The F-150 tows more, carries a higher payload and is the all-time leader in sales. The Dodge Ram is arguably the better looking truck, sports a vastly improved interior and its 390-hp HEMI V8 engine is a true powerhouse. Follow the jump to view our video comparison of these two new pickup trucks. They're both deserving of high praise, but only one has what it takes to be the king of the Autoblog Garage.

Related:

Continue reading VIDEO: 2009 Ford F-150 versus 2009 Dodge Ram

VIDEO: 2009 Ford F-150 versus 2009 Dodge Ram originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Feb 2009 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2009 Dodge Ram Laramie Crew Cab 4X2

Chris Shunk — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 12:02:00 EST

Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, Truck, Dodge, Reviews

2009 Dodge Ram - Click above for high-res image gallery

Many consider the Dodge Aries K and Dodge Caravan the most important Chryslers of the past 30 years. We agree those two vehicles were a huge part of keeping the Pentastar in business, but we'd add the 1994 Dodge Ram to the list, as well. Dodge wasn't even competitive in the lucrative full-size truck market until the bold-faced '94 model hit dealerships, and Chrysler's light-duty pickup has held on to 3rd place in truck sales ever since. The Ram constantly finished in the money until the all-new Toyota Tundra hit the scene. Toyota's first serious try at a full-size pickup, coupled with the hot-selling Tacoma, outsold the Ram and Dakota combined for the first time in 2008.

Luckily for Team Pentastar, Dodge had an answer to the Tundra waiting in the wings. The 2009 Dodge Ram brings more power, more refinement and plenty of gadgets to the pickup truck party. The Ram looks like a real man's truck, with a forward-leaning front grille that's as big as a Toyota Yaris, and a unique coil spring suspension that enables this 5,000 pound truck to drive more like a sedan on regular roads than a rough-and-tumble work truck. There is no question that the 2009 Dodge Ram is far better than the model it replaces, but does it have what it takes to compete with the Tundra, Chevy Silverado and Ford F-150? We took a loaded Laramie Quad Cab into the Autoblog Garage to find out.

Gallery: Review: 2009 Dodge Ram

Continue reading Review: 2009 Dodge Ram Laramie Crew Cab 4X2

Review: 2009 Dodge Ram Laramie Crew Cab 4X2 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Jan 2009 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit 2009: Dodge Ram HD goes for the Big Horn

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 15:45:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Truck, Chrysler, Dodge

Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2009 Dodge Ram HD

The 2009 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty was left to rumble on its own out back while the electric concepts took to the Chrysler stage at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show. But the hulking oil-burner certainly deserves mention. Powerplants come in two flavors on the 2500 models: a 5.7-liter V8 with 355 hp and 395 lb-ft. of twist and twizzle, and the big daddy 6.7-liter Cummins with 350 hp and 650 lb-ft. The 6.7-liter diesel particulate filter reduces NOx emissions by 90%, meaning the car passes 2010 standards right now, and if you step up to the Ram 3500, you get the 6.7-liter standard - because obviously you go by the name Hoss.

Inside, the manual is no longer an option with the 5.7-liter, but Dodge wants to make that up to you with an available Infinity sound system, Internet connectivity with uConnect, and a power-sliding rear window. You'll want to make sure you choose your truck carefully, though - Dodge touts them as the longest lasting trucks out there: the 6.7-liter is expected to get you 350,000 miles before its first major overhaul. You can learn more than you ever wanted to know about Dodge Rams after the jump, and check out the gallery of high-res photos below.

Gallery: Dodge Ram Heavy Duty

Continue reading Detroit 2009: Dodge Ram HD goes for the Big Horn

Detroit 2009: Dodge Ram HD goes for the Big Horn originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 11 Jan 2009 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dodge Ram takes top pickup award in Canada

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 18:02:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Dodge, Canada

Click above for high-res gallery of the 2009 Dodge Ram

We're still trying to figure out which new-for-'09 truck took the top honors in the State of Texas, but it's clear that the Dodge Ram was chosen as "Best New Pickup in Canada." In the process of taking the award, the new Ram beat out its rival from Ford, which is also brand new for the 2009 model year. Highlights of the new Ram's design include its always-macho styling, RamBox cargo management system and its coil-spring rear suspension.

While the Dodge Boys are sure to accept any trophy for its new truck, we're sure that the sales of full-sized pickups in Canada pale in comparison to those of the United States, and Texas is the undisputed U.S. heavyweight champion when it comes to truck-lovin'. The real battle is about to begin as both Ford and Dodge go up against tough competition from Chevrolet, GMC and Toyota for the pick'em-up-truck sales crown.

Gallery: 2009 Dodge Ram

[Source: The Car Connection]

Dodge Ram takes top pickup award in Canada originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Oct 2008 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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'09 Ford F-150 wins Truck of Texas award

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 10:57:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Marketing/Advertising, Dodge, Ford

Click above for high-res gallery of the 2009 Ford F-150

Ford has managed to snag an important early victory over the equally-new Dodge Ram by being crowned the 2009 Truck of Texas over the weekend. Both the Dodge Ram and Ford F-150 are nearly all new for '09 and are competing against stiff competition from the relatively new Chevy Silverado and Toyota Tundra for a parking spot in Texan garages. Some 15% of full-size trucks sold in the United States end up in Texas and the sales crown usually goes to the Truck of Texas award winner. The Blue Oval also managed to snag the best truck-line award, the best SUV of Texas and the best CUV of Texas with its Expedition King Ranch and new Flex, respectively. Mopar fans will be happy to know that Dodge didn't leave the Lone Star state empty handed. We're not sure how given that the F-150 is also a full-size truck and took the top trophy overal, but the new '09 Ram managed to win the full-sized Truck of Texas award and its optional RamBox was named Outstanding Truck Feature.

Gallery: First Drive: 2009 Ford F-150

[Source: The Detroit Free Press]

'09 Ford F-150 wins Truck of Texas award originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Oct 2008 10:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dodge Ram Lone Star Edition debuts at Texas State Fair

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 15:58:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Marketing/Advertising, Dodge

Click above to view high-res gallery of the 2009 Dodge Ram Lone Star edition

Cowboys and truck-lovers unite for the Texas State Fair every year around this time. It's where big-time truckmakers often release special editions of their pickups just for the Texas market, again underscoring just how important the Lone Star State is for sales. So it is this year with the 2009 Dodge Ram Lone Star edition. Starting life down the assembly line as a Ram Crew 1500 SLT in either two- or four-wheel drive, various chrome accents, 20-inch wheels (either painted or chromed) and big 4-inch dual exhausts integrated into the rear bumper have been added. Inside, a lighting group is standard equipment along with an up-level leather steering wheel. Lest those following you don't know what or where you're driving, a Lone Star badge is affixed to the tailgate left of the huge Ram-head logo. Very subtle. The good news is that Texans won't be charged an arm and a leg for the Lone Star edition, as it adds just $1,500 to the price of a HEMI-equipped Ram, a big savings over the $3,560 it would cost to replicate otherwise. If all of this is enough to make you want one, and you live in Texas, expect the Lone Star to reach your favorite dealer sometime next month.

Gallery: Dodge Ram Lone Star

[Source: Dodge]

Continue reading Dodge Ram Lone Star Edition debuts at Texas State Fair

Dodge Ram Lone Star Edition debuts at Texas State Fair originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Sep 2008 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2009 Dodge Ram launches with incentives, 'RamBox' costs $1,895

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 10:29:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Truck, Marketing/Advertising, Dodge

Click above for high-res gallery of the 2009 Dodge Ram

In another obvious sign of the times, Dodge is launching its brand new and totally redesigned 2009 Ram half-ton pickup truck with incentives right out of the gate. Purchasers who only need a regular cab will get $500 off the Ram's base price of $22,170 before options while those looking to get a quad cab or crew cab will get double that amount off their new truck. We're sure that potential buyers won't be complaining, but it's a far cry from the 40% savings being offered on '08 Rams. We verified these numbers by using Dodge's online configuration tool, which does not yet allow you to order up the innovative RamBox option. That lockable storage unit is built right into the bed rail of the pickup and will reportedly run you $1,850. That seems pretty reasonable considering that Dodge is the only brand offering this type of storage solution. Still not sold? Did you know that a RamBox is nearly big enough to fit an adult man? Pretty cool, that. Expect to see the RamBox option come online in early November.

Gallery: 2009 Dodge Ram

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]

2009 Dodge Ram launches with incentives, 'RamBox' costs $1,895 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Sep 2008 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2009 Dodge Ram priced from $22,170

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 12:59:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Truck, Dodge

Click above for high-res gallery of the 2009 Dodge Ram

Dodge has a tough road ahead when it comes to selling the redesigned 2009 Ram. Though fuel prices have indeed dropped a bit in the last few weeks, consumers surely still have cash registers ringing in their heads when thinking of large V8 engines and four-wheel drive. So, to ease the newest Ram into the market, Dodge has decided to lower its price a bit compared to the outgoing model while also adding some unique and heretofore unavailable content to the mix. The dealings will start at $22,170 for base models with the regular cab, $26,225 for Quad Cab models and $32,530 for Dodge's first-ever Crew 1500 models. Opting for a top-end Laramie Ram Crew 1500 4x4 will cost you $44,140, which is on par with other top-of-the-line competitors from Ford and GM. Engine options include a revised 390-horse 5.7-liter HEMI, which will allow the quickest Ram to make it to 60 mph in less than six seconds, while a 310-horsepower 4.7-liter V8 and an anemic 3.7-liter V6 with just 215 horses on tap brings up the rear. See the full pricing breakdown after the break.

Gallery: 2009 Dodge Ram

[Source: Chrysler LLC]

Continue reading 2009 Dodge Ram priced from $22,170

2009 Dodge Ram priced from $22,170 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Aug 2008 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Get your 2009 Dodge Rams with zero-percent financing

Chris Shunk — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 09:25:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Truck, Chrysler, Dodge

UPDATE: We've been informed that the 0% financing for 72 months offer is only available for the 2008 Dodge Ram. Financing details for the 2009 Dodge Ram will be announced at a later date.

The 2009 Dodge Ram appears to be a top-notch competitor in the light truck market, but that won't keep the soon-to-be-released model from feeling the pinch of high gas prices. Chrysler told dealers in a July 8th conference call that the new Ram would be launched with 0-percent financing... for 72 months. To put this into perspective, an all-new $30,000 vehicle with 7-percent financing would translate into a $511 per month car payment over 72 months. With 0-percent financing, the payment would be only $417, for a savings of nearly $7,000.

When the 2009 Dodge Ram was unveiled to the public at the Detroit Auto Show, it was looked at as a potential savior for the Pentastar. Only seven months later and two months before its scheduled to go on sale, It's going to be launched with the same financing as the slow-selling outgoing model. Ouch.

[Source: Automotive News (subs req'd)]

Get your 2009 Dodge Rams with zero-percent financing originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Jul 2008 09:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Mike Levine attempts to fit himself in the Dodge RamBox

Chris Shunk — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 19:14:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Etc., Videos, Dodge

The 2009 Dodge Ram is still a couple months from hitting the showroom floor, but we got a chance to check it out during a visit to the Chelsea proving grounds at the Chrysler media event. While we can't tell you how the new Dodge Ram drives, we are pleased to give you details of the revolutionary RamBox. We wanted to tell you how much we could fit into the bed mounted storage, but all we had was Mike Levine from Pickuptrucks.com. Follow the jump to view Mike as he tries to jam himself into one very confined space. Mike's a skinny guy, so he comes a lot closer to squeezing into the RamBox than you might think.

Continue reading VIDEO: Mike Levine attempts to fit himself in the Dodge RamBox

VIDEO: Mike Levine attempts to fit himself in the Dodge RamBox originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 28 Jun 2008 19:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2009 Dodge Ram arriving with much more power

John Neff — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 09:56:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Truck, Dodge

Click above for high-res gallery of the 2009 Dodge Ram

Sure, it's not a great time to debut an all-new full-size pickup truck with sales falling fast courtesy of $4/gallon gas, but unlike Ford, which has delayed the release of its redesigned '09 F-150, the all-new 2009 Ram is coming despite fuel prices and market conditions. Pickuptrucks.com reports that the new Dodge pickup will actually be offering more power underhood than originally thought. The 5.7L HEMI V8 option will see its horsepower increase from 345 to a whopping 390, while torque goes up from 375 pound-feet to 407. It was originally thought the '09 Ram would offer 380 hp and 404 pound-feet of torque, so here we have a case of underpromising and overdelivering. The improvements in power come courtesy of variable cam timing, an active intake system, higher compression ratio, improved airflow and a reworked Multiple Displacement System.

And what of speculation that there would be a Ram model capable of achieving 23 mpg highway? Not in the cards says Dodge, who told Pickuptrucks.com that the most fuel efficient model would be a regular cab 4x2 with the 3.7L V6 and 3.55:1 rear axle good for around 14 city/20 highway mpg. All Ram models, however, will receive some boost in fuel economy, and there's also a new light-duty Cummins turbodiesel and Ram 1500 Hybrid coming after 2009. The fastest Ram model will also be significantly quicker than originally thought, with an R/T regular cab 4x2 sporting a 4.10 rear axle capable of hitting 60 mph in the 5-second range. With a new coil-spring rear suspension that should provide a more compliant ride without sacrificing too much towing prowess, we think the Ram may give Dodge an opportunity to pick up some market share in the full-size pickup segment, though the bad timing will almost certainly translate into lower sales overall for the truck despite its improvements.

Gallery: 2009 Dodge Ram

[Source: Pickuptrucks.com]

Continue reading 2009 Dodge Ram arriving with much more power

2009 Dodge Ram arriving with much more power originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Jun 2008 09:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2009 Dodge Ram up to 20% more fuel efficient than before

John Neff — Thu, 29 May 2008 15:58:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Truck, Green, Dodge

Click above for high-res gallery of the 2009 Dodge Ram

Dodge announced today that its redesigned 2009 Ram 1500 will be 20% more fuel efficient than the 2008 model it replaces. The new Ram's reduced appetite for fossil fuels can largely be attributed to the truck's new, more aerodynamic styling and a diet that results in 80 lbs. less of truck to haul around. More important, however, is the newly revised 5.7L HEMI V8, which gets a big boost in power from 345 hp to 380 hp and 375 ft-lbs. of torque to 404. Despite the strength training, Dodge engineers still expect up to a 20% gain in highway fuel economy. For instance, the 2008 Ram Quad Cab Laramie with the old 5.7L gets 15 city / 19 highway, while the 2009 model will get 23 mpg on the interstate, so says Dodge. We should point out that these gains will only be achieved while highway cruising, so we expect the 2009 model to remain in the mid-teens around the city where aerodynamics are largely irrelevant and stop-and-go driving leads to low miles per gallon. Still, what gains in fuel economy there are to be had are still impressive considering the HEMI's big bump, which was needed in power to keep the Ram competitive with its Detroit rivals and the Toyota Tundra. With sales of profitable full-size trucks falling fast on account of high gas prices, we bet every truck manufacturer will be touting their own fuel economy improvements, however small, in the coming year.

Gallery: 2009 Dodge Ram

[Source: The Detroit News]

2009 Dodge Ram up to 20% more fuel efficient than before originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 May 2008 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Peek: 2009 Dodge Ram R/T

Alex Nunez — Thu, 08 May 2008 08:30:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Truck, Dodge

You know those videos that sometimes automatically start playing when you visit automaker websites? You know how you usually click right past them? Sometimes, they're worth paying attention to. If you visit to the 2009 Dodge Ram website, you're treated to a tour of the truck by Ralph Gilles and Mark Allen. Before the design guys give their spiel, however, you get a very brief glimpse of a poster showing '09 Ram body styles and options/accessories. There, clear as day, is a shot of the forthcoming Ram R/T.

When the new Ram was initially unveiled, PickupTrucks.com confirmed that the R/T was indeed on the way. Word at the time was that the R/T would be a standard-cab, 4x2, short-bed truck with a HEMI, 5-speed auto, and a 4.10 rear axle ratio. As you can see in the photo at right, the truck gets a monochrome treatment (a la the Ram Sport), a deep chin spoiler, and a hood reminiscent of the one used on the Challenger R/T and SRT8. As PickupTrucks.com reported, expect the Ram R/T's powertrain combo to deliver a sub-7 second 0-60 time. It'll be interesting to see the R/T's marketplace reception, given that gas prices are likely to continue climbing for the foreseeable future. Unfortunately for Chrysler, it's a less-than-perfect environment for welcoming a new performance-oriented truck. Nothing a little cash on the hood and a locked-in gas price can't fix, right? Thanks for the tip, David!

[Source: Dodge]

First Peek: 2009 Dodge Ram R/T originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 May 2008 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Get 'em while they're not hot! Dodge Rams going for $13k below MSRP

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 05 May 2008 10:29:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Truck, Marketing/Advertising, Chrysler, Dodge

A tight credit market, slumping construction, an economy on bed rest, an end-of-model year, and high gas prices mean one thing for pickup trucks: lots of brand new trucks waiting for buyers. Dealers trying to shift their 2008 Dodge Rams before the 2009s arrive are taking as much as $13,000 off the bill to try and convince buyers to come forth. That means you can get a Dodge Ram 1500 Quad Cab SLT 4x2 for $19,995, instead of $32,795.

With consumers being more picky about what and when they buy, it also doesn't help that dealers really don't want trade-in trucks either, since they can't do anything with them. What Dodge dealers hope for now is that Chrysler will manage the build-out of the 2009 models to give them a chance to get rid of the 2008s. Chrysler says it has a plan that will keep it competitive and keep the changeover orderly. For now, the Ram is the most heavily discounted vehicle out there.

For a dealer in Ohio, the matter of 120-day inventories really comes down to gas prices. "Until we get gas under three bucks a gallon," he said, "these pickups are not going to move." We're sure that no one wants that to be true, because if it is, there will be brand new 2008 Rams on showroom lots for a long time.

[Source: Automotive News, sub req'd]

Get 'em while they're not hot! Dodge Rams going for $13k below MSRP originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 May 2008 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2009 Dodge Ram Regular Cab and TRX-4 models quietly appear

John Neff — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 16:57:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Dodge

click above to enlarge

We hadn't realized this until it was pointed out by Mike Levine at Pickuptruck.com, but when Dodge debuted the 2009 Ram 1500 at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show amidst a herd of cattle, it only had the Crew Cab model on hand. Regular Cab versions of the Ram have remained absent from public view... until now. Pickuptruck.com has the scoop on the two-door, two-passenger half-ton pickups, and we have to say the Ram's new design looks just as good with a small cab as it does with an extended one. The 2009 Dodge Ram Regular Cab can be had with either a 6-foot 4-inch bed or an 8-foot bed, and its wheelbase will be either 120 or 140 inches depending on the bed you choose. Unfortunately, the innovative RamBox storage solution is not an option on the Regular Cab for some reason. Trim levels for the regular cab include the working man's ST, the higher-performance Sport and R/T models, and a new trim called the TRX-4 that's more off-road ready than the others with four-wheel-drive, a suspension upgrade and Goodyear Wrangler SRA All Terrain Tires. Though sales of half-ton pickups in the U.S. are falling fast, the Ram is obviously coming ready to compete in 2009 and the Regular Cab model is just one weapon in Dodge's arsenal.

Gallery: 2009 Dodge Ram

[Source: Pickuptruck.com]

2009 Dodge Ram Regular Cab and TRX-4 models quietly appear originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Apr 2008 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dodge 2008: Up close and personal at the Dodge Rampede

Alex Nunez — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 14:06:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Truck, Etc., Chrysler, Dodge

click image for a gallery of the Rampede staging area

Before this Sunday's "Rampede" at the Detroit Auto Show kicked off, we moseyed over to the staging area and hung out with our friends from the animal kingdom. You've got to love the sight of a longhorn steer... with a monorail in the background. A large crowd lined the fences as the big critters milled around and drew smiles. Of course, an accidental poke from one of those horns would wipe away that smile pretty quickly, so alertness was still called for. It's not that the cattle were aggressive. They were calmer than some domesticated dogs we know. It's just that their heads were well clear of the fencing that lined their route, and as you can see, they're called longhorns for a reason. Fortunately, as you all know by know the show went off without a hitch, and neither Rams nor cattle were harmed in the making of the video we've pasted after the jump.

Gallery: 2009 Dodge Ram: Kicking off the Rampede

Continue reading Dodge 2008: Up close and personal at the Dodge Rampede

Dodge 2008: Up close and personal at the Dodge Rampede originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Jan 2008 14:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit 2008: RAMPEDE! Live intro of the 2009 Dodge Ram

Alex Nunez — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 11:48:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Truck, Chrysler

Click image for high-res gallery of the 2009 Dodge Ram unveiling

Poor Chrysler can't buy a break. On the day of the official unveiling of the 2009 Dodge Ram, the Sunday Freep's front page is dominated by Ford's new F-150, while the Ram is relegated to a small, cropped grille shot in the upper right corner of the front page. Newspaper readers who want to have a gander at Dodge's new pickup need to make tracks to the business section. It's okay, though, because Chrysler's official Ram reveal is pretty much a lock to take page one in tomorrow's paper.

After the assembled media was herded onto temporary bleachers set up outside the COBO Center, Chrysler let loose a herd of its own, and a more traditional one at that. 115 head of cattle and several cowboys accompanied the Ram to its formal unveiling. Presiding over the event were honorary urban cowpokes Jim Press, Bob Nardelli, and Tom LaSorda. All on hand were given the usual enthusiastic rundown of the '09 Ram and its features, during which it was also announced that a hybrid version would be "coming soon." A few laughs were had as a few of the assembled steer got a little too friendly with each other when they arrived at Chrysler's presentation area. Journalists in attendance walked away with some free beef jerky, but we don't think anyone told the cattle about that. Video of the introduction's coming up in a bit. Until then, we've got high-res shots of the '09 Ram's debut in the attached gallery.

All Photos (C)2008 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.

Gallery: Detroit 2008: 2009 Dodge Ram - Live Reveal

Detroit 2008: RAMPEDE! Live intro of the 2009 Dodge Ram originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 13 Jan 2008 11:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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