Ram CEO Says Brand Is “Actively & Aggressively” Looking At A Smaller Pickup!

Autoblog.com recently sat down with Ram CEO, Mike Koval Jr. at the 2022 Detroit Auto Show, where the Ram boss discussed some interesting information about the future plans of the brand. 

While Ram has big plans for its upcoming Ram 1500 Battery-Electric Vehicle (BEV) and Range Electric Paradigm Breaker (REPB) pickups, he did drop some hints about the possibility of a smaller offering as well as a timeline of when we could be seeing the 2023 Ram Heavy Duty lineup.

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When asked about a smaller pickup, Koval said that the brand is “actively and aggressively” considering a small truck that would sit below the current Ram 1500. Currently, Ram sells rebranded versions of FIAT’s subcompact Strada (Ram 700) and compact Toro (Ram 1000) Sport-Utility Pickups (SUPs) in various LATAM countries. 

With the popularity of the Ford Maverick, Ram fans have been dying for a similar affordable vehicle. The Ram 1000 would be a logical answer, we have compared both vehicles before.

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However, our friends at AutosSegredos.com, have stated that Stellantis Design Studio in Brazil is hard at work creating a slightly larger vehicle than the Toro dedicated to the Ram brand. This vehicle would feature turbocharged four-cylinder engines. Koval hinted at this vehicle, as he told Ram has seen record sales in international markets, with standouts being South America and Australia for a smaller vehicle.

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Ram also teased us during the EV Day 2021 presentation, with an STLA Large-based electric mid-sized pickup. Unlike the current body-on-frame offerings from General Motors (GM), Ford Motor Company, Nissan, and Toyota, a STLA Large vehicle would be a unibody vehicle and could easily be manufactured alongside one or more of the many electric vehicles like the Chrysler Airflow, Jeep Recon, or Wagoneer S.

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Koval also mentioned that the Ram brand will unveil the 2023 Ram 2500/3500 Heavy Duty in October. The truck is expected to get some new features (like new towing mirrors, a new sport performance hood, and a full-digital cluster. However, in recent spy photos, we have seen the Cummins badge on the side of the truck being covered up. Could there be something special in store? I guess we will find out next month.

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Then in November, Ram will introduce its “Revolution” BEV Concept. It will preview the upcoming Ram 1500 BEV, but will not be the finalized product we will see in production. Ram should also be showcasing its new 2023 Ram ProMaster BEV full-size van. A set date has yet to be unveiled.

Source: Autoblog.com