Ram News: Under Consideration: Full-Size SUV for Ram

[William Maley]

Ram is putting serious thought into building a full-size SUV to take on the likes the Chevrolet Suburban, Ford Expedition, and GMC Yukon XL.

 

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles CEO Sergio Marchionne expressed his interest during a call announcing the third-quarter financial results.

 

The large SUV segment is “the near-exclusive use of some others. We have a reasonable chance of getting at least part of that market,” said Marchionne.

 

Marchionne explained that Ram begins to redesign its pickup lineup and add production, space for such a vehicle begins to open up.

 

“I think we have a unique opportunity with renewal of the pickup line, with the powertrains we selected, to significantly increase output. We will also be exploring, as a result of that investment, some other segments.”

 

Now there is a slight issue to this vehicle for Ram. Jeep is currently working on three-row SUV named the Grand Wagoneer that has been pushed back till 2019. Marchionne says the possible Ram SUV will not compete with the Grand Wagoneer as the latter model will take on the likes of the Range Rover.

 

“I don’t think anybody who buys a large SUV is confusing it with a Range Rover,” said Marchionne.

 

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

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[Drew Dowdell]

It would make sense... It really can't cost that much more to add it to a a truck platform redesign that you're doing anyway.

[Guest Wings4Life(BANNED)]

^

 

Well, it is not cheap by any means either. You still need an all new frame and suspension, and mostly new body.  Some shared components, but you still have to develop and tool it.

[Drew Dowdell]

^

 

Well, it is not cheap by any means either. You still need an all new frame and suspension, and mostly new body.  Some shared components, but you still have to develop and tool it.

 

That depends. Any reason it couldn't ride on the same frame as a crew cab pickup? might need stiffer springs but nothing drastic in the suspension.  Front clip, doors, dash, seats, ... everything forward of the backside of the second row could all carry over. 

[ocnblu]

Ram Ramcharger?  It could work.  Reminds me... I do miss fullsize, 2-door SUVs.

[David]

 

^

 

Well, it is not cheap by any means either. You still need an all new frame and suspension, and mostly new body.  Some shared components, but you still have to develop and tool it.

 

That depends. Any reason it couldn't ride on the same frame as a crew cab pickup? might need stiffer springs but nothing drastic in the suspension.  Front clip, doors, dash, seats, ... everything forward of the backside of the second row could all carry over. 

 

Full Size SUV that would have a Diesel, something us GM fans have wanted like FOREVER!

 

They could get my business if they did it right with a Diesel. That would truly take business from GM and Ford.

[El Kabong]

I'm more interested in where Sergio is planning to get the production capacity. Right now they're desperate for it, never mind a few years down the road.

And yes, I could definitely see the appeal of a turbodiesel large SUV. Figure even 2-300 pounds of weight savings off my current truck for a Tahoe-sized jobbie, and keep the air suspension.

Hmmmm.

[David]

I'm more interested in where Sergio is planning to get the production capacity. Right now they're desperate for it, never mind a few years down the road.

And yes, I could definitely see the appeal of a turbodiesel large SUV. Figure even 2-300 pounds of weight savings off my current truck for a Tahoe-sized jobbie, and keep the air suspension.

Hmmmm.

Like This?

 

[El Kabong]

Yup. Gotta love Mexican-market stuff

[Robert Hall]

I'm surprised they didn't do one 20 years ago when the full size SUV market was growing..

[El Kabong]

I don't know what the cost would have been to certify it for sale in Canada or the US. You'd probably have to do crash regs and whatnot. I'm not sure what the rules are like in Mexico. I do know that they have had a bunch of stuff that is not available elsewhere. But these days I dunno.

[Robert Hall]

I don't know what the cost would have been to certify it for sale in Canada or the US. You'd probably have to do crash regs and whatnot. I'm not sure what the rules are like in Mexico. I do know that they have had a bunch of stuff that is not available elsewhere. But these days I dunno.

There was a 2dr Ramcharger exclusive to Mexico in the late 90s, but nothing since then.  Those more recent 4dr ones above are aftermarket conversions or Photoshop fun...

Edited October 30, 2015 by Cubical-aka-Moltar

[El Kabong]

Ok, cool. Good to know!

[Frisky Dingo]

Better late than never, I guess.

[ocnblu]

It will be a pretty piece of junk, if every survey ever written is anything to go by.

[daves87rs]

Just not sure it will get by the diehards in the other two brands.....

[El Kabong]

I'll have to disagree with you on that one, although it might take time. After all, Ram was in pretty dire straits with pickup sales figures not so long ago. If they base it off their next truck and that truck is similarly innovative, capable, and good-looking then it will work. Actually, they may already have a ready-made customer base of current Ram truck owners. I could see them carving out a reasonable chunk of the marketplace (15-20%) with Gen 1.

[Drew Dowdell]

I'll have to disagree with you on that one, although it might take time. After all, Ram was in pretty dire straits with pickup sales figures not so long ago. If they base it off their next truck and that truck is similarly innovative, capable, and good-looking then it will work. Actually, they may already have a ready-made customer base of current Ram truck owners. I could see them carving out a reasonable chunk of the marketplace (15-20%) with Gen 1.

 

I think they'd immediately jump to 3rd place knocking the Titan Armada and Sequoia down. 

[FordCosworth]

I'll have to disagree with you on that one, although it might take time. After all, Ram was in pretty dire straits with pickup sales figures not so long ago. If they base it off their next truck and that truck is similarly innovative, capable, and good-looking then it will work. Actually, they may already have a ready-made customer base of current Ram truck owners. I could see them carving out a reasonable chunk of the marketplace (15-20%) with Gen 1.

I'll have to disagree with you on that one, although it might take time. After all, Ram was in pretty dire straits with pickup sales figures not so long ago. If they base it off their next truck and that truck is similarly innovative, capable, and good-looking then it will work. Actually, they may already have a ready-made customer base of current Ram truck owners. I could see them carving out a reasonable chunk of the marketplace (15-20%) with Gen 1.

Next truck isn't due for years. Word is 2021.

[El Kabong]

If that's true then perhaps they should just take the plunge and do it ASAP. After all, it's not like the segment doesn't have its fair share of fossilized platforms. Really low-hanging fruit for conquest sales, right?

Edited October 31, 2015 by El Kabong

[El Kabong]

I'll have to disagree with you on that one, although it might take time. After all, Ram was in pretty dire straits with pickup sales figures not so long ago. If they base it off their next truck and that truck is similarly innovative, capable, and good-looking then it will work. Actually, they may already have a ready-made customer base of current Ram truck owners. I could see them carving out a reasonable chunk of the marketplace (15-20%) with Gen 1.

 

I think they'd immediately jump to 3rd place knocking the Titan Armada and Sequoia down.

Definitely those. I could see them putting a scare in Ford as well.

[FordCosworth]

If that's true then perhaps they should just take the plunge and do it ASAP. After all, it's not like the segment doesn't have its fair share of fossilized platforms. Really low-hanging fruit for conquest sales, right?

It's well know that fossilized platform, which beat a brand new offering ( see C&D comparo ) is being replaced soon - before this might be Ram SUV would make its debut. And an like its Yukon/Suburban competition, that fossilized SUV is not on a Least Reliable List either.

[El Kabong]

Uh... did you ever think I, like Drew, was referring to the Nissan?

LOL@troll dragging brand of choice into argument

[FordCosworth]

Uh... did you ever think I, like Drew, was referring to the Nissan?

LOL@troll dragging brand of choice into argument

Then why speak plural ( fossilized platforms ) if talking about Nissan?

Edited October 31, 2015 by Burnt Valve LS7

[El Kabong]

Uh... did you ever think I, like Drew, was referring to the Nissan?

LOL@troll dragging brand of choice into argument

Then why speak plural ( fossilized platforms ) if talking about Nissan?

Why you save quote, man? All you're doing is saving proof that you were putting words into my mouth. That's trolling, no ifs, ands, or buts.

Also, Toyota platform? Kinda ancient too, wot?

Yeesh

Edited October 31, 2015 by El Kabong