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Ram’s Electrified Midsize Pickup Delayed as Ford Gains Ground

Belvidere Setbacks Put Ram Behind Ford’s 2028 Midsized EV Truck Plans...

Ram’s entry into the midsized pickup market is hitting speed bumps as Stellantis delayed reopening the Belvidere Assembly Plant in Illinois. Initially intended to build a new electrified midsized truck, the plant’s indefinite hold has frustrated both the United Auto Workers (UAW) and loyal Ram enthusiasts. Meanwhile, Ford is forging ahead with its plans to launch a groundbreaking midsized electric truck by 2028, a move that could outpace Ram’s efforts.

Ram midsized EV pickup was teased at the company’s EV Day 2021 presentation. (Stellantis).

In a recent interview, Chrysler and Alfa Romeo North America CEO Christine Feuell, who oversaw the Ram brand in the absence of Tim Kuniskis, reiterated the company’s commitment to a midsized truck. “It will be brought to market,” Feuell confirmed, adding that the vehicle will feature multiple powertrain options and be positioned for both North American and global audiences. Feuell declined to provide specific details or a timeline but hinted that the platform choice would surprise many. “We will learn more details in 2025,” she stated, leaving the door open for Ford to reach the market first.

Ford, on the other hand, has been vocal about its ambitious plans. CEO Jim Farley described the company’s upcoming midsized EV pickup as a “game-changer,” underscoring Ford’s determination to set the standard in this emerging segment. “We’re investing in what matters most to our customers—vehicles that are smarter, more capable, and sustainable,” Farley said during a recent announcement. Ford’s decision to publicly target 2028 for its truck’s debut highlights its confidence in staying ahead of the competition.

STLA Large-Based Electric Unibody Pickup. (Stellantis).

The delays at Belvidere are emblematic of broader challenges Stellantis faces during the transition to electric vehicles (EVs). UAW President Shawn Fain has criticized Stellantis’ leadership, arguing that the company’s struggles are rooted in management decisions rather than external market conditions. Fain noted, “Other automakers like Ford and GM have not experienced the same downturn in sales as Stellantis.”

Stellantis defended its strategy, citing market volatility as a key factor. In an October company statement, spokesperson Jodi Tinson explained, “The delay at Belvidere is consistent with the current challenging automotive landscape. We remain committed to building a healthy, sustainable company that can compete globally.”

STLA Large-Based Electric Unibody Pickup. (Stellantis).

With Ford targeting a 2028 debut for its midsized EV pickup and Ram grappling with production delays, the competition in the midsized EV truck market is intensifying. Originally, Ram planned to begin production in 2027, but the postponement could allow Ford to seize the lead. As Stellantis undergoes changes following the departure of Carlos Tavares, it remains to be seen whether Ram will accelerate its timeline for the midsized pickup to outpace Ford and solidify its position in the market.

Robert S. Miller

Robert S. Miller is a diehard Mopar enthusiast who lives and breathes all that is Mopar. The Michigander is not only the Editor for MoparInsiders.com, 5thGenRams.com, and HDRams.com but an automotive photographer. He is an avid fan of offshore powerboat racing, which he travels the country to take part in.

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lol. Stellantis……….setback………….. delay. Didn’t read your article, just the headline . Is there really any need to read these articles about this stagnant outfit anymore?

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lol. Stellantis……….setback………….. delay. Didn’t read your article, just the headline . Is there really any need to read these articles about this stagnant outfit anymore?

I think it needs to be addressed. In order to be competitive in the market, you have to set trends and not be a follower. Remember Chrysler in the 1990s?

Reply 6 Likes

Let’s be honest, the WOKE, DEI and Green Movements have devastated not only industry, but the core motivational principles people needed to succeed, focus energy and receive honest satisfaction from a job well done. People in all walks of life were intimidated and forced to check a box rather than make decisions based on merit and qualifications, knowingly tolerating incompetence and violating core values while denying their common sense. Ram presents to you the evidence and net consequence of these initiatives in this delayed product that, is in essence, a lie. This Ram is a sin and an insult to our senses. Millions squandered on crap.
Stellantis and corporations globally are scrambling to reverse these destructive and frankly evil policies and restore reality, honest work, self respect with true outcomes and profitability. The string of much delayed product, the regular exiting of executives and the loss of profitability and the very means to generate those profits is no accident at Stellantis. The guilt and responsibility lies squarely at the feet of the social engineering advocates, extreme environmentalists and the anti- Capitalist zealots who believed deeply and drove this malevolently ugly hoax, this agenda, to the point where pronouns and leftest dogma replaced the very things that created the primacy of Western civilization and its industry. Shame on them. Time to reboot and rebuild the old fashion way with honesty, hard work and common sense.

Reply 3 Likes

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What a joke. If the Brazilian Rampage was brought over (with N.A. standards of course)here to N.A., it would be a big seller. This project should have been started years ago and this should have been ready to go when the Ram Classic ended production. This postponement is showing a mid-size Ram will not happen in N.A. STAL can blow smoke in our butts and promise all they want. Not happening, and I would not be suprised at all if Belvedere never re-opens.

Reply 2 Likes

Let’s be honest, the WOKE, DEI and Green Movements have devastated not only industry, but the core motivational principles people needed to succeed, focus energy and receive honest satisfaction from a job well done. People in all walks of life were intimidated and forced to check a box rather than make decisions based on merit and qualifications, knowingly tolerating incompetence and violating core values while denying their common sense. Ram presents to you the evidence and net consequence of these initiatives in this delayed product that, is in essence, a lie. This Ram is a sin and an insult to our senses. Millions squandered on crap.
Stellantis and corporations globally are scrambling to reverse these destructive and frankly evil policies and restore reality, honest work, self respect with true outcomes and profitability. The string of much delayed product, the regular exiting of executives and the loss of profitability and the very means to generate those profits is no accident at Stellantis. The guilt and responsibility lies squarely at the feet of the social engineering advocates, extreme environmentalists and the anti- Capitalist zealots who believed deeply and drove this malevolently ugly hoax, this agenda, to the point where pronouns and leftest dogma replaced the very things that created the primacy of Western civilization and its industry. Shame on them. Time to reboot and rebuild the old fashion way with honesty, hard work and common sense.

This sounds like Fox Snooze BS.
If industry is so devastated, then why does every other car company continue to have a full product line , while Stellantis just drops models with no replacement in sight. We have heard the same story for years from FCA. No Journey and Cherokee replacements. Charger not yet ready the end of last year. Brampton sitting quiet for at least another year. Durango forever delayed. Hemi wasn't updated while Ford and GM have V8s and will continue to do so. They have nobody to blame but themselves. It has nothing to do with 'Woke'.
GM had a new Equinox ready to go when the old one phased out.
By the way the oil industry is pumping more oil than ever in the US.

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