Once upon a time, Dodge built pickups and badged them all as Dodge Ram trucks. Today, many people still refer to Dodge Ram pickup trucks. But the truth is that the two separate manufacturers have a much more complicated relationship.
Is the Dodge Ram discontinued?
For decades, Dodge’s truck was the Dodge Ram. Then in 2009, the company spun Ram off into its own, parallel brand. Now, Dodge focuses solely on muscle cars and SUVs. The Dodge Ram continues, and is called the Ram truck.
Dodge Ram pickup truck | Visions of America/Universal Images Group via Getty Images
So the Dodge Ram is not continued, it just changed its name. Ram trucks still builds many of the models that were once Dodge trucks: the Ram 1500, 2500, 3500, and cab-chassis variations. Ram still uses old Dodge truck badges such as the Power Wagon.
The current, fifth-generation Ram trucks still use much of the technology of the Dodge Rams. This includes multiple variations of the famous HEMI V8 engine. Dodge and Ram also share an entry-level V6, a top-trim SRT “Hellcat’ V8, transmissions, and their Uconnect infotainment system.
Why are Ram trucks no longer Dodge?
Dodge and Ram still share technology and dealers (along with Chrysler, Jeep, and the rest of Stellantis). But as separate brands, they are free to focus on their own marketing for their distinct demographics.
Ram trucks in front of a Dodge sign | Artur Widak/NurPhoto via Getty Images
After the 2009 financial crisis, Chrysler Corporation merged with Fiat to creat Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA). The bean counters hoped the new company would be large enough to weather future road bumps. The new FCA management noticed that Dodge and its Ram trucks division served separate customers, so it split the two brands apart.
Since then, Ram trucks has focused on increasing its marketshare. Today, Ram drivers are the youngest among pickup truck buyers, with an average age of 50. In addition, 19% of Ram drivers are female. Nearly half of them live in a rural place–according to Hedges Company. These new demographics have increased truck sales and the Ram 1500 now outsells the Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra, coming in just behind the Ford F-150.
Is Ram owned by Dodge still?
Ram is not owned by Dodge. Ram and Dodge are among the 15 parallel brands owned by the Stellantis company. Though Dodge and Ram share technology and dealerships, they are built in separate factories and marketed to separate demographics.
Dodge and Ram logos on a dealership sign | Artur Widak/NurPhoto via Getty Images
In 2021, FCA merged with the Peugot Group. The resulting international automaker is larger than Ford Motor Company. It includes fifteen different brands such as Maserati and Renault, in addition to Ram, Dodge, Chrysler and Jeep.
Dodge vehicles and Ram vehicles are assembled in different factories. Dodge assembles its Durango alongside the Jeep Grand Cherokee in Stellantis’ Detroit plant. Dodge builds its Challenger and Charger in Toronto, Canada.
On the other hand, Ram assembles its 1500 pickup truck in Sterling heights Michigan and assembles its four-door Ram 1500 Classic at the Warren, Michigan plant. But every othe Ram product hails from Saltillo, Mexico.
Keyword: Are Dodge and Ram the Same Manufacturer?