With the demise of local production by Ford, Holden and Toyota, RAM has become
the biggest motor vehicle manufacturer in Australia.
In fact, the company has just achieved a milestone, with Ram Trucks Australia
producing its 20,000th right-hand drive vehicle.
This 20,000th truck – a 6.2-litre supercharged V8 Hemi TRX in Hydro Blue – was
built at Ram’s recently-expanded Melbourne manufacturing facility.
Representatives from parent company Stellantis were on hand to check out the local
operation which sees RAM vehicles converted from left to right hand drive in a
process that is so extensive it is described as re-manufacturing.
Chief Operating Officer, India & Asia Pacific, Carl Smiley and Head of Sales,
Marketing and Regional Operations, Billy Hayes were on hand to celebrate the
milestone.
“RAM is one of our best known and strongest brands in the USA and I am really
proud to see it here in Australia,” Smiley said.
This was Smiley’s first visit to RAM Trucks Australia’s manufacturing facility,
enabling him to see first-hand how the company is poised for further growth.
A RAM 3500 comes down the production line.
The Ateco Group is the world’s only RAM-authorised manufacturer of right-hand
drive RAM trucks.
The relationship with RAM Trucks in the USA initially began in late 2013 and
continues to produce ‘full-size’ pickups for the local market.
All RAM Trucks Australia vehicles are international-spec vehicles, uniquely coded for
the Australian and New Zealand markets and the local build process.
With over 1000 new parts on the DS, DT and heavy-duty models, there are
significant local supply chain benefits of this fast-growing vehicle segment.
The range starts with the RAM 1500 Express Crew and Warlock models in the
original DS variant, followed by the 1500 Laramie and 1500 Limited in the recently
launched DT model range, along with the Heavy Duty 2500 Laramie and Heavy Duty
3500 Laramie.
Rounding out the most comprehensive range is the all-new RAM TRX, a powerful
new halo model.
With a 6.2-litre supercharged Hemi V8, it sets new benchmarks for power and
performance.
The engine produces 523kW of power and 882Nm of torque, propelling the pickup
from 0-100km/h in just 4.5 seconds.
