Ram CEO Continues to Hint at Replacement for ProMaster City

Ram is preparing to reenter the small commercial van segment in the U.S., a market it exited when the Ram ProMaster City was retired. According to sources close to MoparInsiders.com, Ram’s upcoming offering will likely be a rebadged version of the Fiat E-Scudo, expected to debut as the new Ram ProMaster City in 2026, with production set to begin in late 2025.

Ram and Chrysler CEO Chris Feuell has hinted at this new direction for the brand, noting that the commercial vehicle market offers significant growth opportunities, especially in the absence of direct competition like Ford’s Transit Connect. Speaking to the Detroit Free Press, Feuell stated, “Our main competitor is Ford, and their whole Ford Pro organization and product and service lineup. They’ve made very impressive inroads in growing the business…we definitely have our eyes set on beating Ford at some point in the near term.”

Ram’s renewed focus on the commercial sector includes ambitious growth targets. “I can confirm that we have the products and services to establish a leadership position in the commercial vehicles segments and drive double-digit growth,” Feuell said. She also mentioned that 80% of Stellantis’ commercial sales in North America are Ram vehicles, emphasizing the brand’s strong position in this market.

The Fiat E-Scudo, currently popular in Europe, is expected to serve as the foundation for the next-generation Ram ProMaster City. The E-Scudo is available with an electric motor and two battery options, offering a range of up to 205 miles (330 kilometers) on a full charge. The van also boasts a payload capacity of up to 2,200 pounds (1 ton) and a cargo volume of 233 cubic feet (6.6 cubic meters), making it a practical choice for businesses requiring a compact yet capable vehicle.

Ram’s decision to reenter this segment is strategic, especially given Ford’s recent success with its commercial division, Ford Pro. In the first quarter of 2024 alone, Ford Pro generated $3 billion, underscoring the profitability of the commercial vehicle market. Feuell’s comments reflect Ram’s determination to capture a share of this lucrative segment.

As Ram prepares to launch this new compact van, it aims to address the needs of small businesses and urban operators who require a smaller, more nimble vehicle. Bob Broderdorf, Ram Global Operations Officer, acknowledged the demand for such a vehicle, stating, “Demand is clearly there for a ‘smaller, more nimble product’ that can still ‘get the job done’ in urban areas.”

While official details on the new Ram ProMaster City are still under wraps, the potential rebadging of the Fiat E-Scudo signals Ram’s commitment to innovation and expansion in the commercial vehicle market. As the automotive landscape continues to evolve, Ram’s efforts to challenge Ford’s dominance in this sector could set the stage for some exciting developments in the coming years.