And long-rumoured HiLux and Ranger competitor could be built in factory RHD form, says global boss
The to-and-fro, will-it-or-won’t-it surrounding RAM’s long-awaited Toyota HiLux and Ford Ranger competitor has yet another chapter.
Speaking to carsales at the New York International Auto Show overnight, global RAM boss Mike Koval confirmed his desire for the all-new mid-size pick-up – likely to be called Dakota – to be built in right-hand drive ex-factory, and to go on sale in Australia one way or another.
And as telegraphed at RAM’s recent US dealer conference the smaller dual-cab ute will debut as a battery-electric vehicle.
“I showed a concept to the dealers in Las Vegas last month… and what a great test case. We got, I would say, more than the thumbs up, so now I’m gonna go back to work and bring it to market,” Koval enthused.
Koval says EV is changing the game for pick-ups. RAM announced details of its 1500 REV at NYIAS, with the 229kWh battery version boasting an 800km range and the potential for a yet-to-debut RAM 1500 REV XR to go even further.
He points to the strong dealer response to an electric mid-size ute as a good indicator of its global potential. But equally, conventional combustion-powered versions of the Dakota are far from ruled out.
“We’re here, it’s our time. RAM is officially in the game with our electrified solutions. But I also want to keep eye on the global growth, not just domestic. I don’t want to limit my opportunities [with EV only]. Just from a brand [point of view], I think I would be doing myself, the team, a disservice if I didn’t consider [ICE powertrains].
Whether EV or ICE, Koval also believes RAM’s new mid-size should be built in right-hand drive ex-factory.
“It would always be the ideal. When I got to the brand in 2016, I would say 90 to 95 per cent of the engineering focus was all North America. That’s changing. And every, every new vehicle – starting with this one and everything beyond that – I will make international in scope. Or I’ll try to…” he stated.
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Keyword: Smaller RAM ‘Dakota’ mid-size ute to debut as EV