The Ram 2500- and 3500-series trucks are staying around a bit longer, according to a report. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles had originally planned an all-new version for the 2018 model year in line with similar changes taking place with the Ram 1500 half-ton pickup that same year. Now it seems FCA will only move forward with the Ram 1500’s extensive update, while only bringing a mild refresh for the heavy duty models.
The report comes from Automotive News, which cites sources close to the Ram HD’s development. It’s said Ram will only update the current, DS-based Ram HD’s exterior and interior, rather than giving it a complete refresh from the ground up. The 2018 model year will see such extensive improvements with the DT-based Ram 1500, however.
Reasons behind the delay include FCA’s current lack of expendable cash for R&D and retooling for the Ram HD’s Saltillo, Mexico assembly plant. FCA is already spending billions in revamping its Sterling Heights and Warren Truck Assembly Plants to accommodate the upcoming influx of new SUVs, crossovers, and trucks. Adding Saltillo and the Ram HD to the list simply isn’t feasible – at least according to the report.
This comes days after FCA’s Jeep division postponed development and production of its Grand Wagoneer – a high-class luxury SUV that competes with Range Rover and wears a $130,000 price tag.
Hopefully FCA will experience a boom in SUV and crossover sales to account for its vast investments. That influx in cash would certainly help fund future developments at the Ram and Jeep divisions.
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Why It Matters
FCA has a full plate these days – so much so that it must prioritize vehicle updates and assembly plant retrofits to fit within its projected cash flow. While we hate seeing the Jeep Grand Wagoneer and 2018 Ram HD get postponed, we’d hate seeing FCA flounder even more. Hopefully smart accounting and hot sales will allow for these projects to be reinstated. Both the Grand Wagoneer and fresh Ram HD pickups have the potential to be huge profit-makers.