Ram to introduce new pickup van for the US; Philippines may follow soon

MANILA:  Currently, there are many automakers that have been benefitting from the growing demand in the segment of mid-size pickup vans and trucks in the Philippines and beyond. In fact, in many countries other than the local, the Ford Ranger and the Chevrolet Colorado have been sensational in the sales figures.

Thus, aiming to encash on this growing market, RAM, a wholly owned subsidiary of FCA (Fiat Chrysler Automobiles), is planning to build a new mid-size pickup in this segment, which would be a direct rival to the Ford Ranger and the Chevy Colorado.

This development has been confirmed by the company itself when the CEO & Chairman of FCA, Sergio Marchionne, has said at the Fiat-Chrysler Capital Markets Association, which concluded recently, that a new mid-size pickup truck is under progress. Plus, it was even mentioned that it would be made in Mexico and reach the United States first. However, apart from this, no other details were mentioned.

Since the company has not revealed much of the details, it leaves us to imagine what it could possibly come up with. We can only assume that the Fiat Fullback could be a possible candidate to be the new midsize van. However, the adverse factor with the Fullback is that it is manufactured in Thailand and is sold in just a few countries of Europe and the Middle East.

This, again, gives rise to another speculation. Are we going to see a revival of the popular Dodge Dakota? The Dakota was last produced at a factory back in 2011 and was a victim of a sharp decline in the demand for midsize vans. Despite being the smaller version of the Dodge Ram back then, it was slightly bigger than the older Chevy S-10 and Ford Ranger.

Going by Sergio Marchionne’s confirmation, it can be ascertained that the new pickup van would be destined for the United States only. However, the company may even consider introducing the vehicle in some other countries, including the Philippines, due to the demand surge. Moreover, pickup trucks are now exempted from the excise tax in the country, which could add to the benefits.