On June 29, 2015, the Independent We Stand team set off on their “Main Streets Make Us Better” road trip in a new 2015 Ram ProMaster City™. The ProMaster City was graciously provided for the trip by Ram Trucks and BusinessLink. With Best-in-Class* cargo capacity, of 131.7 cubic feet and Best-in-Class* payload up to 1,883 lbs., there was more than enough room for four adults, plus luggage, and camera equipment. The ProMaster City™ was the perfect vehicle for the occasion.
The purpose of the “Main Streets Make Us Better” road trip was to raise awareness for America’s Main Streets – and the small businesses on them – like the independently owned FCA US LLC BusinessLink dealers. Our team visited 22 cities, from Detroit to Boston, over a period of five days. We interviewed over 40 business owners – from hardware stores to boutiques – about why they think it is so important for consumers to buy, eat, drink, shop and even stay at small locally-owned businesses.
The team started in Detroit, Michigan. We visited five surrounding cities without having to fill up the gas tank, thanks to the Ram ProMaster City™’s estimated 21 City MPG and 29 Highway MPG. It was hard enough finding independent gas stations, so we were lucky that we could plan accordingly.
Keeping ourselves organized on the trip was made easier with the overhead shelf system, storage trays and in-dash storage. The overhead shelf system kept all our paperwork out of the way, but easily accessible; while the in-dash storage provided perfect compartments for collateral materials like our business cards.
Our Ram ProMaster City™ was equipped with a 5.0-inch UConnect® Touchscreen with GPS navigation, which made navigation through cities like Cleveland and Boston straightforward and more importantly – hands-free. Further, the Parkview® Rear Back-Up Camera provided much needed parallel parking assistance; while, the 60/40 split rear doors made our unloading process effortless.
Along the way the Independent We Stand team gathered small independent business owners’ opinions of the new vehicle. The independent business owners we interviewed that had an opportunity to see and explore the vehicle were intrigued and eager to learn more about capabilities and different models. For the outdoor power equipment dealers, it was a perfect size and had plenty of space. Steve Ritzau, of Mrs. G’s Appliances, in Lawrence Township, Pennsylvania, loved the back-up camera and Patrick Kennedy, owner of Superior Woodcraft Custom Cabinets, in Doylestown noted that it would be perfect for their deliveries in the city.
Whether you’re on a road trip, picking up supplies or making a delivery, the 2015 ProMaster City™ does more than get you from point A to point B; it keeps your small business, or organization, going and growing.
Take a test-drive or purchase the 2015 Ram ProMaster City™ at any Ram dealership
*Based on latest available competitive information. Class is small commercial van segment.
