Ram to launch Fiat–based Promaster full-size van in late 2013
On the heels of the Ford Transit, Ram adds another European high-top van to the U.S. fleet.
By Car_and_Driver Nov 28, 2012 7:18AM
A new full-size van has arrived at Ram.
After the Daimler-Chrysler juggernaut was dissolved, the Sprinter was no longer an option, leaving Chrysler without a full-size cargo hauler. In 2003, that Mercedes-engineered van replaced the positively ancient Ram Van, whose roots went back to 1971. Dodge stopped selling the Sprinter a few years ago, and now the commercial vehicles division—since renamed Ram Trucks—is getting a slightly re-engineered version of the Fiat Ducato.
From the third quarter of 2013, the Ram Promaster will join the brand’s lineup of trucks, “offering features and powertrains preferred by North American commercial customers,” as the press release promises. It also will be “significantly redesigned with familiar Ram Truck styling cues.”
The Ram brand was established in 2009, but we can attest to its familiarity as it took over exactly where Dodge Trucks left off. Cue Dodge’s, er, Ram’s huge cross-hair grille, executed in glitzy chrome. We also expect Ram to offer the choice of a gasoline engine. In Europe, the Ducato and its Peugeot and Citroën siblings are sold only with diesel engines.
Coinciding with the launch of the Promaster, Chrysler will launch the Ram Commercial Truck division. It targets business owners who need a heavy-duty vehicle and aims to provide low-cost pre- and post-sales solutions. The embodiment of this effort, according to Ram, is the Tradesman trim levels available on all models.
-- Jens Meiners
More from Car and Driver:
- Official Photos and Info: 2014 Ford Transit Revealed in Europe
- Short Take Road Test: 2012 Nissan NV 2500 SV High Roof
- Comparison Test: 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 LTZ 4WD Crew Cab vs. 2012 Ford F-250 Super Duty King Ranch 4×4 Crew Cab, 2012 Ram 2500 Laramie Longhorn 4×4 Mega Cab
6Comments
Nov 28, 2012 10:21AM
"We also expect Ram to offer the choice of a gasoline engine."
*FACEPALM*
The Ducato only sells with a diesel engine for a reason. And by the way, the diesel pulls great. I drove it and I drove the CDI Mercedes truck, and the FIAT was much more responsive.
That is completely idiotic: it will take a huge gasoline engine to have the same amount of torque to move that huge van.
*FACEPALM*
The Ducato only sells with a diesel engine for a reason. And by the way, the diesel pulls great. I drove it and I drove the CDI Mercedes truck, and the FIAT was much more responsive.
That is completely idiotic: it will take a huge gasoline engine to have the same amount of torque to move that huge van.
Dec 1, 2012 10:33AM
"Americans like to have engine choices, and not all will want a diesel."
What irony then, that I cannot get the kind of a vehicle I want, with the kind of the diesel engine I want.
What you are saying is basically that:
"Americans like to have engine choices, so long as those choices are gasoline or gasoline-electric hybrid engines."
And to have to have a monstrous V8, guzzling gasoline like crazy to have the same amount of torque is neither logical, nor practical, nor environmentally friendly. We are not going to lead the world if we keep thinking like that.
What irony then, that I cannot get the kind of a vehicle I want, with the kind of the diesel engine I want.
What you are saying is basically that:
"Americans like to have engine choices, so long as those choices are gasoline or gasoline-electric hybrid engines."
And to have to have a monstrous V8, guzzling gasoline like crazy to have the same amount of torque is neither logical, nor practical, nor environmentally friendly. We are not going to lead the world if we keep thinking like that.
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