Why Chrysler decided to kill the Dodge Ram pickup truck

Dodge Ram is a strong name in the truck world, but Chrysler had the nerve to kill it. But why, since 1980, have Dodge Ram pickup trucks been synonymous with status, style and power?

The Ram name was first used on a Dodge pickup truck in October 1980, as a 1981 model. They were available in full-size Single Cab, Extended Cab and Double Cab models. The first generation was released until July 1993.

It was in the second generation (1993 to 2001) that the Brazilian public discovered – and loved – the Dodge Ram pickup truck. The model sold in Brazil was the Dodge Ram 1500 with two V8 engine options: 5.2 liters and 5.9 liters.

Despite its popularity, it was sold one more year, in 1996. It returned several years later, in 2004, as the Dodge Ram SR-T 10 with a larger 8.3-liter V10 engine. Then there were other versions until 2009.

But in 2010 the Dodge Ram name disappeared. Chrysler decided to create a unique pickup truck division called Ram Trucks, as it no longer wanted customers who only bought this type of vehicle because of style or status.

The idea was to reach the public who buy pickup trucks. It’s worth mentioning that since 1970, Dodge has been a truck brand within Chrysler. Before that date, Chrysler used the Fargo brand.

When the Ram was launched from Dodge, for many years non-lovers continued to call Dodge Ram pickup trucks. In Brazil, this still happens today. Ram is now a brand owned by Stellantis, which owns Chrysler and Dodge, among others.

First, it is important to mention that the third generation of Dodge Ram was released between 2001 and 2009. The fourth generation appeared in 2010. Today Ram cars are in their fifth generation. But there is still one model of the old Dodge Ram, which is the Classic version. The name was changed to Ram Classic in 2011, but the essence is still there.

So, among the Ram pickup trucks sold in Brazil there is still the “Dodge Ram”. It’s the newest version of the entire series, but it’s also the most interesting, according to many fans.

As for the idea of ​​separating the Dodge and Ram names, Ram actually started out catering to pickup truck buyers only and specifically for them. Today it is one of the most coveted brands in the country. However, many buy for… status and power.

As for Dodge, it’s still trying to reinvent itself. Currently, it has the following models in the line: Charger (sports sedan), Challenger (sports coupe), Durango (minivan) and Hornet (SUV copied from Alfa Romeo).

So know this: if you see a picture of the current Ram on the road, don’t refer to it as a Dodge Ram. This name remained before 2010.