Ram now largest local vehicle manufacturer

0 0 February 10, 2023 Edit this post

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.

“The quality of right-hand drive trucks is testament to the teamwork between those on the ground here in Australia and those back in the US.”

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.

“We are committed to continued support for the Ateco Group and their Ram Trucks Australia business with further technical and engineering assistance,” he said.

“With discussions around future product – including the recent Ram Revolution EV truck reveal – I’m confident the long-term arrangement will continue to innovate and elevate this partnership.”

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.