The longhorn cattle that starred in the launch of 2009 Dodge Ram may be back for an encore next year, as Chrysler LLC is already talking about the launch of its next big truck.
Chrysler President and Vice Chairman Tom LaSorda said recently that Dodge will follow up the launch of the Ram by introducing a heavy-duty Ram “about a year from now”–or, in other words just about in time for the 2009 North American International Auto Show.
LaSorda confirmed the existence of the new heavy-duty Ram during a recent conference call with reporters. The heavy-duty segment pickup segment is one of the very last segments held closely by the domestics in the U.S. market and is critical to General Motors and Ford, which estimated recently that roughly 40 percent of its pickup truck sales are now heavy-duty models.
The heavy-duty trucks have become increasingly popular with commercial buyers who like their extra towing capacity, which goes all the way up to 16,500 pounds, and diesel engines, which save on fuel. The current version of the Dodge Ram 2500 and Dodge Ram 3500 can be ordered with a 6.7-liter turbodiesel engine.
Chrysler planners, however, apparently want to make sure the new heavy-duty models carry over the new design look that bowed on the Ram, which includes a unique reverse grille.
Link:
TCC Blog » Blog Archive » Chrysler Sticking With Heavy-Duty Trucks
My guess is that it won't be the 2009 North American International Auto Show but rather the Texas State Fair in August. Any thoughts?
I love the new 1500 and I'm waiting for the next 3500 before I buy. I wish they would do a trailer brake controller that is controlled with a paddle behind the steering wheel.
Craig
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