A smaller, mid-size Ram pick up has all but been confirmed and is likely to debut in 2027. A couple of weeks ago, the RAM CEO, Tim Kuniskis, was reported as saying he wanted “a mid-size truck so bad” and now it looks like he’ll get it.
The yet-to-be-named model (Ram could possibly re-boot Dakota) has been confirmed for production by Stellantis chairman, John Elkann. It has been reported that he confirmed the “mid-size truck” will be built at the Belvidere, Illinois assembly plant in the US.
The timing of production was confirmed by the United Auto Workers union which said the Belvidere Assembly Plant would reopen in 2027 to manufacture the smaller Ram. The factory has been idle since early 2023 when the Jeep Cherokee family SUV ended production.
Well of course there is nothing to report there, the truck still to make it off the drawing board. But last year, Ram Trucks Australia managing director, Jeff Barber, was reported as saying a product such as a mid-size Ram to take on Hilux and Ranger would be on the “wishlist” for Australia. And that relates to NZ too, given they are one in the same market when it comes to Ram.
Barber told Australian outlet, Drive; “It has been on our radar for years and we think it would be a good fit for Australia” And it would therefore be a good fit for NZ too.
Whether the truck is made right-hand drive from the factory like the Jeep Gladiator or if it would need to be converted to right-hand drive in Australia, like the 1500, is the other unknown.
