PROVING THAT our desire for extremely large, unsubtle and, let’s face it, expensive SUVs shows no signs of declining, Ram Trucks Australia has moved to 24-hour a day, five-day a week production to meet demand for its 1500 model.
Ram Trucks Australia general manager Alex Stewart was happy to report that the 1500 has made a significant impact on the top end of the Australian ute market. “Since we started production,” he boasts, “we have cut by more than two thirds the time it takes to remanufacture a Ram truck for our market. We use up to 400 components, the vast majority locally produced by Australian companies.”
Ram also announced a minor model update for the 1500 model, increased standard specification and even some significant price cuts for some models.
Topping the range is the Laramie offered exclusively with a crew cab body and 5’7” (1.7m) tub. Price is unchanged at $99.950 (plus ORC). The useful RamBoxes secure storage option adds $4500. The Laramie gets an even bolder front grille and stronger front and rear Ram branding.
The same changes have been applied to the larger 2500 and 3500 crew cab models that get a 6’4” (1.93m) tub. Pricing for these, too, is unchanged at $139,950 to $150,950 (plus ORC).
Moving along to the entry level 1500 Express Quad Cab (also with the longer tub), a reversing camera and trailer brake control, both important features in such a large vehicle, have been made standard. Price is unchanged at $79,950.
The more appealing Black pack versions have had a price cut to $89,450 and $93,950, slicing $4500 from the previous prices.