The expansion of the Ram brand outside of North America continues with the introduction of the new Ram 1200, a metric ton pickup truck revealed today in Dubai, UAE, to an exclusive audience of regional media, distributors and key fleet customers.
The Ram 1200 joins a highly capable lineup of larger Ram trucks, and its debut gives the brand access to the largest truck segment in the Middle East.
“The launch of this metric ton pickup truck is the next step in our expansion of the Ram brand,” said Robert J. Hegbloom, Head of Ram Brand International, FCA US LLC. “This is all part of our plan to develop a solid strategy to expand the Ram Truck brand’s presence in key markets outside of North America.
“Our unique brand identity and the breadth of our portfolio will be the keys to unlock the growth of the Ram Truck brand around the world,” said Hegbloom.
The Ram 1200 will launch in 2017 in both Single and Double Cab configurations, with three trim levels and a variety of gasoline and diesel engines.
All versions of the Ram 1200 have a maximum height of 1,775 mm, are up to 1,785 mm wide and have a wheelbase of 3,000 mm.
The length varies depending on the configuration: 5,245 mm (Single Cab) and 5,370 mm (Double Cab). The length of the cargo compartment also varies according to the configuration: 2,265 mm (Single Cab) and 1,520 mm (Double Cab). The payload capacity of the Ram 1200 is up to 1,165 kg, and it can tow up to 3 metric tons.
In the Middle East, the Ram 1200 will be available with two engine options: a 2.5-litre diesel with a power output of 94 kW (126 hp) to 100 kW (134 hp) or a 2.4-litre petrol engine that delivers 97 kW (130 hp). A manual gearbox is the standard configuration for both the diesel and petrol engines. An optional automatic transmission will be available.
The Ram 1200 will offer a 4×2 version (rear-wheel drive) as well as a 4×4 version (all-wheel drive). The latter will be the one most appreciated by those who, for work reasons, need to reach areas that are off the beaten track or drive on tough off-road trails. All 4×4 versions are equipped with a manual or, on automatic versions, an electronic selector that makes it possible to engage the all-wheel drive in part-time mode.
The 4WD Electronic Selector has three driving positions: “2H” (optimal roads) with rear-wheel drive; “4H,” selectable for speeds up to 100 km/hr, distributing traction to all four drive wheels for safer driving on sandy or unpaved tracks; and “4L,” which provides low-range gearing for extreme off-road conditions.
“The new Ram 1200 allows us to enter a segment where we haven’t previously competed, and into a critical market encompassing 90 percent of the total pickup truck volume in the region,” said Maurizio Zuares, CEO of FCA Middle East. “We believe there is a clear opportunity for a highly capable product like the Ram 1200 here in the Middle East.”
The new Ram 1200 was revealed alongside the Ram 1500 Rebel and 1500 Limited, two new additions to the expanding Ram portfolio in the Middle East. The Ram 1500 lineup will expand from eight versions currently to 17 different options next year. This will allow the Ram brand to better focus on the particular needs of customers across the region.
