Ram Truck brand has targeted Texas as a key market for their just announced new 2014 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel equipped pickup truck according to Fred Diaz, President and CEO — Ram Truck Brand and Chrysler de Mexico, Chrysler Group LLC.
Ram Truck brand announced Feb. 14 that the 2014 Ram 1500 will be the first North American full-size pickup truck to offer a diesel power train beginning in third-quarter 2013.
"Today’s announcement regarding the 2014 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel is an important part of our strategy to establish Ram as the number one truck in Texas," said Diaz.
"This announcement is almost as significant for Texas as it is for our Ram brand – Texans will finally have the choice to buy a light duty truck with an advanced, fuel efficient diesel engine that will truly help them accomplish their goals," he added.
"The 2014 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel will increase our lead for best-in-class fuel economy, something that’s incredibly important in Texas. As a native Texan, I’m familiar with the long drive from San Antonio to Dallas or from Houston to the Valley, and the drain that can be on your paycheck ."
With this announcement Ram, once again, has taken yet another bold step forward in innovation as they continue their aggressive journey to become the leading full-size pickup truck in North America.
The addition of the 3.0-liter V-6 turbo EcoDiesel mated to the proven TorqueFlite eight-speed transmission in the Ram 1500, positions Ram to raise the best-in-class performance bar for the full-size segment considerably in terms of fuel efficiency, torque and capability in both tow and haul capacity.
“Truck owners have been emphatically asking for it, and Ram will be the only manufacturer to offer a diesel power train in the half-ton segment with the 2014 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel,” said Fred Diaz, “The half-ton truck market is incredibly competitive, and although we’re honored the Ram 1500 has received a number of prestigious awards, we cannot rest on what we have accomplished, we must keep pushing.”
“The Ram 1500 with 3.0-liter V-6 turbo EcoDiesel and TorqueFlite eight-speed transmission will deliver on the demands of truckers by providing best-in-class torque, fuel economy and range. There’s no doubt that being the only truck manufacturer to offer this game changing technology will provide Ram with a competitive advantage,” added Diaz.
The new 3.0-liter V-6 EcoDiesel is among today's most advanced diesel engines. Ram’s turbo diesel engine is manufactured by VM Motori, a Chrysler Group diesel engine supplier since 1992.
Its emissions are 60 percent less than those produced by diesel power trains 25 years ago. The impressive combination of torque and fuel economy marks new levels of performance for small V-6 engines.
The 2013 Ram 1500 won Motor Trend’s Truck of the Year, The North American Truck of the Year and Truck of Texas -- a rare trifecta in the pickup segment with the new and innovative 2013 Ram delivering best-in-class fuel economy with the Pentastar V-6 power train producing 25 mpg.
With the addition of this EcoDiesel power train to the Ram 1500 line, Ram Truck brand has taken a major step in building on the 2013 award-winning model to be the best-in-class segment leader again in 2014.
Ram did not release performance information for the new EcoDiesel power train in the 2014 Ram 1500. But, the new 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee will also be powered by an EcoDiesel which is likely to the same one to be used in the Ram 1500.
Jeep has already announced that the new 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee with the EcoDiesel power train will achieve 30 mpg. It is not a big stretch to think that the 2014 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel may achieve close to the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee fuel efficiency as well.
Ram is not the only half-ton pickup manufacturer to explore diesel power trains for vehicles in this segment, but they will be the first to deliver.
General Motors has reportedly been evaluating and considering this option for their new 2014 GMC Sierra and 2014 Chevrolet Silverado. Toyota and Nissan are very likely also considering adding diesel to their power train options for their recently announced 2014 Toyota Tundra and 2015 Nissan Titan full-size pickup trucks.
With Ram stepping out and challenging the segment with their new EcoDiesel, Ford will be watching but they are likely to stay with their very successful line of EcoBoost engines in the F-150 line. Just in case they see the need, Ford is offering a new 3.2-liter diesel in their 2014 Transit vehicle, which could very likely be adapted for use in the F-150.
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