Ram CEO Hints At A New Compact Commercial Van Is Coming
ProMaster City Successor Could Return Late Next Year...
During the Investor’s Day 2024 presentation, Chrysler and Ram CEO Chris Feuell hinted at an exciting addition to the Ram lineup: a new compact electric commercial van. This announcement suggests that a successor to the Ram ProMaster City, which was a favorite among small business owners and private citizens from 2015 to 2022, might soon be on the horizon.
The Ram ProMaster City: A Brief History –
The Ram ProMaster City was a versatile and reliable vehicle that served various needs until its production ended in 2022. Its absence has left a noticeable gap in the market, especially for those seeking a compact commercial van. The new generation ProMaster City is expected to be based on the Fiat Scudo and E-Scudo, which offer modern and innovative features.
Fiat E-Scudo: The Basis for the New ProMaster City –
The Fiat E-Scudo, a popular compact van in Europe, is likely to serve as the blueprint for the new ProMaster City. Here’s a closer look at what the E-Scudo offers:
Powertrain and Range –
The E-Scudo comes with an electric motor and offers two battery options:
- Battery Sizes: 50 kWh and 75 kWh
- Range: Up to 330 kilometers (205 miles) in the WLTP cycle
- Charging: AC charging capacity up to 11 kW and DC fast charging up to 100 kW, allowing the battery to reach 80% charge in just 45 minutes
Performance and Capabilities –
- Payload: Up to 1 ton (2,200 lbs)
- Cargo Volume: Up to 6.6 cubic meters (233 cubic feet)
- Towing Capacity: 1 ton (2,200 lbs)
- Dimensions: Core version is less than 5 meters (16 feet, 5 inches) in length and 1.9 meters (6 feet, 2 inches) in height
Comfort and Practicality –
Designed with professionals in mind, the E-Scudo aims to offer a comfortable and stress-free work experience:
- Driving Position: Car-like driving position for enhanced comfort
- Soundproofing: Top-level soundproofing to minimize noise and vibrations
- Accessibility: Ergonomic step for easy cabin access
Safety and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) –
The E-Scudo is equipped with a comprehensive set of safety features:
- Automatic Road Sign Recognition
- Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)
- Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
- Blind-Spot Monitoring (BSM)
- Rearview Camera: Offers a 180° panoramic view
- Frontal Collision Warning (FCW)
Innovative Features –
The E-Scudo also includes several innovative features designed for convenience and versatility:
- Moduwork System: Transforms the passenger seat into a workstation and extends the load compartment
- Head-Up Display (HUD): Provides key information without distracting the driver
- Suspension System: Four independent wheel suspensions with adaptive variable damping (AMVAC) for a smooth ride
Versatility and Configurations –
The E-Scudo offers multiple configurations to suit different needs:
- Versions: Van, Crew Cab, Chassis Cab, and Combi M1
- Lengths: Up to three different lengths
- Passenger Capacity: Fully configurable up to 9 seats, with foldable seats to increase load capacity
Anticipated Release –
The Ram ProMaster City will likely be offered in both cargo and passenger van variants. It is expected that the North American market will receive the larger variant of E-Scudo vehicle. According to our sources, production is anticipated to begin late next year at the Tofaş plant in Turkey.
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