Ram Targets Midsize Pickup

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV CEO Mike Manley says there is a “clear hole” in the company’s pickup truck lineup below the fullsize Ram 1500 that needs to be “fixed soon.”

The new model likely will be about the same size as the upcoming Jeep Gladiator midsize pickup. But the focus is expected to be on more traditional pickup truck applications and on-road performance rather than trying to match the off-road capabilities of the 2020 Gladiator, which is based on the Jeep Wrangler SUV.

Identifying a cost-effective platform for the truck has been challenging, Manley tells reporters. In addition, he says, the truck has to be built in the regions in which it is sold.    

Manley also says FCA will continue to sell the previous-generation Ram 1500, which has been rebadged the 1500 Classic, alongside the all-new Ram 1500 (pictured) the company introduced early last year. He notes that the no-frills Classic appeals to commercial and government fleets that don’t need all the content added with the redesigned 2019 pickup.