Diaz Announces Plans for Ram

November 4, 2009 | by | 21 Comments

Diaz_Fred_2009B-175pxToday at Chrysler Headquarters, Fred Diaz, President and CEO of the Dodge Ram Brand, reminded everyone of the long heritage of Ram, and laid the groundwork for the future of the brand.

 

See his presentation here

  • RamTough

    I see on Autoblog they say Ram might get into the 18 wheeler market. I wonder if that was in this presentation. Maybe I should read it.

  • Anthony Redmon

    I don’t understand the need to separate Dodge trucks from Dodge cars. Dodge trucks have a tough reputation already and “Ram” sounds kind of hokey as a brand name. And isn’t it going to be more expensive to support a 4th brand?
    Also, I see you used Kasey Kahne’s number 9 car in your motorsports slide. You should be embarassed to do that since Dodge is pulling its support from the number 9 car and the rest of Richard Petty Motorsports cars next year! I just came back from Talladega a few days ago and it’s the talk of all the Dodge motorsports fans that I talked to and none of them are happy about it! Every one that I talked to feels that losing the “King” of nascar to Ford next year is a huge mistake and nobody is happy about having only Penske racing to root for next year. Their best driver is Kurt Busch, one of the most hated drivers on the circuit!

  • Larry

    I can’t even begin to get my head wrapped around the reasoning for separating Dodge from Ram. Just doesn’t seem like a wise move for your #1 selling Dodge product. Also looks to be a potential dealer contractual agreement nightmare. No disrespect, but it almost appears the stage is being set to quickly sell the Ram brand once gas shoots up to $5 a gallon again and truck sales fall off a cliff.

  • Anthony Redmon

    I’m afraid that separating Dodge Trucks from Dodge Cars is the first step in dismantling Chrysler and selling off parts!

  • Flávio

    Mr. Diaz,
    although not agree with certain changes imposed by Fiat, I’ma big enthusiastic Ram. I mean that regardless of the unfortunate separation between car and Dodge RAM, we, millions of consumers RAM, we ask you to keep the essence of the best pick-up in the world, RAM! Do not let the future changes completely alter your soul, your strength and your power. This release 2010’s exceeded our expectations … FANTASTIC! But please keep this same horizon for future touch-up that only those who drove, driving or will drive knows the pleasure and satisfaction of having a RAM.
    Congratulations.
    “My Name is RAM. And My Tank is Full.”
    Greetings from Brazil.

  • Anthony Redmon

    I don’t want to leave the impression on here that I don’t like Dodge. They are my favorite vehicles! I used to be a GM guy but after having several that had quality problems, I tried my first new Dodges in 1980, a Mirada and a Power Wagon. I loved both of these vehicles. I’ve owned 3 Fords since then, one Subaru, one Isuzu, and one Mazda. I keep coming back to Mopars though, currently owning an ’05 Dodge Ram 2500 diesel, an ’05 PT Cruiser, an ’01 Jeep Grand Cherokee (wanted a new one with 3.0 diesel but they stopped making them!), and I own a 1950 Dodge B2D 1-ton stake bed that is still in really good shape.
    I just get frustrated at some of the decisions made at Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Mopar. Like dropping support from the Nascar Truck, then Nationwide, and now Richard Petty Motorsports! I love Nascar racing and have since watching Richard, “the King,” Petty race in the ’60s. I went through the years from the late 70’s to 2001 when Chrysler had stopped supporting Nascar and had to switch allegiance to Ford drivers during those years. That’s when I bought several Fords. But I was ecstatic when Dodge decided to enter the Truck series and especially excited when they announced they were coming back to Nascar Cup series for 2001!!! And because of that, became a hard-core Dodge fan again. Now I feel that Dodge is backing away from my favorite sport again and that is frustrating to no end! My favorite team is Richard Petty Motorsports and favorite driver is Kasey Kahne! It is upsetting that Dodge has pulled support for them and is ONLY going to have one Cup team next year, Penske. I’ve never liked Kurt Busch (their only good driver) and I’m left with nobody but Ford driver Kasey Kahne to root for next year.
    I was frustrated when the “new” Charger came out as a FOUR door sedan! I decided a few years ago to buy a diesel Liberty. Went to the dealer only to find that they had quit making them! Last year, I decided to buy a diesel Grand Cherokee, only to find out that they quit making them too! I love the new Dodge Ram Heavy Duty but wanted an automatic with the shifter in the floor like the 1500 model has. Yeah, you guessed it, they put virtually the same interior in the Heavy Duty BUT do not offer the automatic with the floor shifter! I didn’t understand why they dropped the 2 dr version of Neon just when my kids were getting old enough for a car. Neither of them wanted a 4 dr car so we had to go with Brand Xs. Doesn’t Dodge care about the youth market? That’s the future buyers! Then they dropped the Neon altogether and had no small car to offer and that’s what young families often start out in!
    I think you get the gist of what I’m saying. Chrysler just continuously seems to NOT offer what I want when I want it!
    But there have been glimmers of hope. The new Challenger is great! The Hemi engine is great! The Avenger/Sebring and Caliber are attractive vehicles but the interiors are lacking a quality look. The Dodge Dakota is a great size of truck for lots of people but the last two body style changes have been ugly! I’m not surprised their sales have lagged. It needs a new look more like the full-size Ram. And what happened to the much-anticipated 1/2 ton Ram with the Cummins? This truck would have sold like the proverbial hotcakes!!! The first manufacturer to come out with a 1/2 ton pickup with a diesel engine will gain market share on the others, guaranteed! This should be a TOP priority for Dodge!!!
    I’m still keeping my fingers crossed that Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep will start making some better decisions but lately, it’s been difficult to remain a Mopar guy!

  • Ok I think where there going with this Ram brand is because they know something that they just cant tell use yet even though the ram brand has been on its own since 2007 I got a 2007 5.9 liter RAM Cummins 4×4 there is no name Dodge on it at all no where you wont fined it you wont ive looked everywhere its that simple. Now ok since the 06 design looks of the new now old front end they brought out the 4500s and 5500s whats that telling you the next step is bigger trucks big dump trucks 18 wheelers and all of them. This could be the way there ganna go for now on the new “RAM” brand is going to be on its own start a new company with Cummins hopfully they will have Cummins all to there selves. If they do what i just wrote wich is a possiblity pray to God it happens,because I want a Semi Ram so bad and so do others thousands.

  • Anthony Redmon

    I agree that if Dodge got into the medium and heavy truck categories, it would boost their image as a true truck company and help sell more pickups. Kind of like the Viper helps sell more Dodge sedans. And since GM and Ford have both retreated from those categories, it seems like it would be a good time to get in and do well.

  • ramzone

    We’ve been getting a lot of questions about the Ram/Dodge brand split. The basic idea is that truck owners have unique needs and aspirations and deserve their own brand to support them. We think the Ram brand is strong and stands on its own. And Larry, there’s no danger to dealers; we’ve been transforming dealerships to sell all of our brands under one roof. The Ram brand actually gives dealers something new to promote.

  • steven mussenden

    my 09 dodge ram is the third ram that i own it is by far the best pickup i ever own and most of friends love it tooi speak highy of your truck untill now i have a problem with one of service dep. war noch dodge i have a paint problem and thay say that its my problem if you can contact me at (phone number redacted by Ram Zone) i would be happy to tell you the whole story and remain a dodge fan

  • ramzone

    Sorry you’re having problems, Steven. But please don’t post your personal details…Use the ‘contact us’ button at the bottom of the page to talk to us directly and we’ll try to help you out!

  • tr4petty

    I’ve read several times in different places that the interior of the new 2010 Ram HDs is a carry-over from the 2009 Ram 1/2 ton. Apparently it’s not entirely because I’ve learned that I can’t get the new HD with automatic tranny shifter in the center console like the 1/2 ton has. Why not? That’s the best looking feature of the 1/2 ton interior!

  • Sam

    Mr. Diaz,

    I am writing as a customer/user of Dodge Trucks. I am not pleased with what I see going on. Here are some of the big issues that I see:

    1. The website.
    It has not been update significantly in almost a year. I could care less about building a 09 HD truck. They are largely not available anymore and out of production. The 2010 HD info has not been changed since the auto show almost a year ago. At this point I should be able to build a 2010 HD truck on the website and get detailed info on specs and price. The preliminary specs from the auto show are unacceptable. Your competitors websites have what is needed, why don’t you?
    2. Inventory.
    Simply put there isn’t any. The 09’s are largely gone and the 2010’s are no where to be found. GM and Ford don’t have this trouble, why does Dodge? There is nothing to look at the local dodge dealers, and your website is not giving me anything either. Is Dodge in business or what?
    3. 3500 HD single wheel regular cab.
    Both Ford and GM make this truck, why don’t you? Why is it every time I buy a dodge I have to get a 2500 regular cab and add springs to it? Are you serious about the HD market or not? We in this market need heavy front and rear springs, a class 5 receiver hitch, up fitter switches, and built in brake controllers as a starting point. Why is this so difficult to build? GM and Ford get it. You are making being a Dodge user/owner very frustrating.
    4.Dodge Durango:
    Either build it or get it off your website, simple as that. I can’t understand why you would tool up a new model and pull it after a few months.

    Get your act together!

  • Mark

    Hi,
    I am a Dodge guy and am not too enthused about Ram splitting from Dodge..
    I have read all of Chrysler/Dodge/Fiats reasons and I still am not impressed about it…
    If Ford and others do not have a problem selling a full size truck and small econo or sporty car along side a truck of the same nameplate..why all of a sudden does Dodge say we cant do it ? Sounds incompetent if you ask me….
    Another reason Ram Dakota just sounds wrong as does Ram not being a Dodge…..
    I just think your sales will go down,because even to me a loyal fan it does not sound good to abandon the Dodge name from the Ram…and people you trying to attract to your brand may be put off by the uncertainty of a Ram brand..sounds like the begining of Chryslers demise,whats next a Caravan brand then all bits and pieces will be for sale to the Chinese ? That is what it sounds like to me a Dodge guy and to people who are not loyal to brand will stay away because of the uncertainty…I will hold on to my Dodge Ram longer and hopefully you will come to your senses and keep them a Dodge…Dodge Ram just sounds so right..Ram sounds a little off…

  • Larry

    Ramzone,

    The only reason people come here to voice their thoughts is because they care. Separating Dodge from Ram is a mistake that one day Chrysler Group LLC will regret. You won’t see Ford separating the blue oval from F150 or Super Duty as those trucks are their top selling products nor will you ever see a Silverado running around without a bowtie or Chevrolet written on the tailgate. I worked for GM on the Silverado brand team during the launch of “The Truck” in 1999 as a technical liaison to a bunch of non-technical marketing clowns that didn’t know a steering wheel from a lug nut. It appears that is what is going on at Chrysler Group right now….. a bunch of marketing clowns that really don’t know trucks or their truck customers calling the shots.

    I believe you all have the best DODGE Ram truck in history entering the market now. The success of this truck will hinge upon the customer base loyalty to Dodge, outstanding looks of the truck, reliability and loyalty to Cummins, not to mention the best axles and suspension under any 2500, 3500, 4500 and 5500 series light truck on the market. The success will not come from separating Dodge from Ram or that pathetic “Tank is Full” commercial. I believe your new class 3 though 5 trucks have the ability to take over as the segment leaders in the fleet and commercial world and leave the Super Duty with its unproven diesel engine in the dust. The GM HD twins aren’t even a threat.

    One last thing, please offer the Power Wagon in a standard cab long bed variant. Preferably with ST trim (rubber floor mat, crank windows, etc….Living in the dusty Southwest USA the nice interior will only get ruined). I have a long bed Four Wheel Granby camper on a Silverado HD that is soon to be replaced but the camper will not fit the crew cab Power Wagon’s. People that use these Power Wagons for what they are made for do, do not need a fully contented truck with carpet, leather, electric this and automatic that. Make the Power Wagon package a free flow option across the DODGE Ram 2500 series line up. I don’t even need or want a diesel but would take a white standard cab Power Wagon tomorrow in ST trim. A 6 speed manual might be too much to ask for so I would settle on an automatic.

    Again, people only complain because they care and are fans of Dodge, Chrysler and Jeep. Thanks for giving those of us an opportunity to voice our opinions, concerns and compliments. You all did a great job with your latest full size truck regardless what you call it.

    Thanks,

  • Mark

    Well said Larry….

  • ramzone

    Mark, we thought so, too. Larry, we appreciate your feedback! Just wanted to let you know we’re listening…

  • ramzone

    Sam, thanks for being a loyal fan of Dodge and Ram Trucks. The 2010 HD vehicle content as well as applications (shopping tools, i.e. BMO, GAC, SNI) went live last week–have you checked out the site? We’ve got some great stuff out there, so we hope it was worth the wait! As for Durango, even though we stopped building the SUV, we left it on the site until they are mostly off dealers’ lots.

  • Paul

    Just thought I’d give you 2 thumbs up on the new Ram 1500..I’ve owned a ’85, ’99 and a ’05 hemi, and now have the ’10 1500 TRX quad cab with the Hemi. Absolutely love it! I had a ’07 Toyota Tundra dbl cab 4×4 with the 5.7 and power wise it was impressive (with the 4:30 gears in it), but it was lacking in giving me that “pride of ownership feeling”. When I drove my ’05 and now this new one..I feel like pounding my chest with pride and telling the world that I have finally arrived. Oh yeah…my wife has a ’09 Jeep Grand Cherokee with the 4.7, and she’s jealous. Ha!

  • I wanted to say that after many weeks of research with the Dodge Ram 1500 and the Ford F150, I am proud to say that I am the owner of a new 2012 Dodge Ram 1500 Laramie Longhron Edition. Mr. Diaz you and your team have built such a great truck and most important an Amercian Truck. I purchased this vehicle on Feb, 4th 2012 from Dodge Healy Brothers in Beacon NY. The staff was really great and guided me through the whole process. Once again thank you and your team for making such a great truck. I have still not slept a whole night thinking of my new truck. I can now say that I belong to the Ram family.
    PS. Guts, Glory, Ram

  • anthony alba

    You guys should make a SRT8 RAM 1500 express, like the older versions of the RAM SRT10, but with the new bodystyle of the 2012 RAM. 6.4L Hemi engine from SRT it would be a marvelous truck. I”m deffinetely waiting for that! SRT8 RAM!!