FCA Mulls Ram SUV

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV's Ram truck unit may expand into the full-size SUV market to compete against the Chevrolet Suburban and Ford Expedition.

During a conference call on Wednesday to discuss the company’s third quarter financial results, CEO Sergio Marchionne said Ram is considering an SUV based on the brand's next-generation pickup trucks. A decision isn’t expected until at least early next year when updates to FCA’s product plan are due to be announced.

Marchionne noted that SUVs typically command a high profit margin and that a Ram model is an opportunity to “significantly increase output” for the Ram truck platform. He doesn’t believe it would cannibalize the 2019 Jeep Grand Wagoneer SUV, which will compete more against upscale Range Rover models than with Ford and Chevy.  

He also noted the new truck chassis and targeted powertrains could be used for other segments the company is evaluating.   

The SUV would be Ram's first since the brand was spun off from Dodge in 2009. It also would be FCA's first large body-on-frame SUV since the Dodge Durango was dropped that year.