Are Dodge and Ram two different companies?
No. They are not two independent companies; they are distinct brands under the same corporate parent, Stellantis. Dodge covers passenger cars and performance models, while Ram focuses on trucks and commercial vehicles.
Understanding their relationship requires a look at history, branding decisions, and how the brands operate today. Once part of a single Dodge-focused lineup within a broader Chrysler framework, Ram evolved into its own branded family for trucks, and both brands now sit under Stellantis with separate model lines but shared corporate backing.
Brand status today
Today, Dodge and Ram are separate brands within Stellantis, not standalone companies. They maintain distinct product focuses—Dodge on passenger cars and performance-oriented models, Ram on light- and heavy-duty trucks and commercial vehicles. While they share engineering resources and supplier networks through the parent company, each brand markets its own lineup and branding. In the United States, they are distributed through the CDJR (Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram) dealer network, which handles multiple Stellantis brands under one roof.
Historical context
To understand how the split happened, here are key moments in the brands’ evolution:
- 1914: Dodge Brothers is founded, laying the groundwork for what becomes a major American automaker.
- 1928: Chrysler acquires Dodge, folding it into its growing lineup of brands.
- 1980s–2000s: The pickup line is commonly marketed as Dodge Ram, tying the RAM name to Dodge-branded trucks.
- 2010: Ram is established as its own brand for trucks and related vehicles, separating branding from Dodge for the truck lineup.
- 2021: Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) and Groupe PSA merge to form Stellantis, making Dodge and Ram sister brands under a single global parent.
These milestones illustrate the shift from a single Dodge-centric approach to a two-brand strategy under a unified corporate umbrella.
Additional context
Despite branding separation, Dodge and Ram continue to operate within the same corporate family and dealer network in many markets. Ram remains focused on trucks and commercial vehicles, while Dodge concentrates on passenger cars, SUVs, and performance models. This arrangement remains current as of 2024–2025.
What this means for customers
For buyers, the branding distinction influences model availability, marketing, and the purchasing journey. Consider these points when shopping:
- Ram models are marketed as trucks and commercial vehicles (e.g., Ram 1500, 2500, 3500, and ProMaster/Vans), with a focus on payload, torque, and durability.
- Dodge models emphasize performance and passenger utility (e.g., Challenger, Charger, Durango), plus sportier design language and driving dynamics.
- Dealership experience is typically through CDJR retailers, where both brands are sold, sometimes with brand-specific showrooms and service bays.
- Warranty, financing, and service networks are brand-specific but coordinated under the Stellantis umbrella, offering centralized support across the dealer network.
Ultimately, the brand distinction shapes the lineup you’ll find, the marketing you encounter, and where you go to service or purchase a vehicle. Consumers benefit from understanding which brand aligns with their needs—rugged trucks versus performance-oriented passenger vehicles—while knowing both sit within the same corporate family.
Summary
Bottom line: Dodge and Ram are not two separate companies. They are two distinct brands under Stellantis, each with its own focus—Dodge on passenger cars and performance-oriented models, Ram on trucks and commercial vehicles. The shift to a two-brand strategy began in the 2010s and was reinforced by Stellantis’ formation in 2021. For consumers, this branding matters for model selection, marketing, and dealership experiences, but both brands share corporate leadership and resources under a single global parent.
Are RAM and Dodge the same company?
No, Ram and Dodge are not the same company, though they were once a part of the same family under the parent company Chrysler. In 2010, the brands were separated so Ram could become a standalone division focused solely on trucks, while Dodge focused on performance-oriented vehicles like cars and SUVs. Today, both brands operate under the umbrella of the larger parent company, Stellantis.
- Separation: Dodge stopped making trucks after 2010, and the "Dodge Ram" truck line was rebranded as the standalone "Ram" truck brand.
- Branding and focus:
- Ram: Focuses exclusively on trucks and commercial vehicles.
- Dodge: Focuses on performance vehicles like the Challenger and Charger.
- Parent company: Both Ram and Dodge are currently divisions of Stellantis, a multinational automotive company.
Why do Dodge and RAM have the same logo?
Dodge and Ram eventually separated into their own entities, and when the truck brand branched out in 2010, they took the ram logo with them. This meant Dodge had to produce a new logo, but the brand decided to do something even better… they produced two!
Why is RAM not part of Dodge anymore?
Dodge and Ram split in 2009 so that each brand could focus on its own core products. The separation allowed Dodge to concentrate on performance vehicles like muscle cars (Challengercap C h a l l e n g e r𝐶ℎ𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑒𝑟 and Chargercap C h a r g e r𝐶ℎ𝑎𝑟𝑔𝑒𝑟) and SUVs, while Ram could dedicate its resources to developing and marketing new pickup trucks tailored for commercial and consumer truck buyers. This strategic move enabled each brand to build a stronger identity and better serve its specific customer base.
- Dodge focus: The split enabled Dodge to focus on performance cars, such as the Challenger and Charger, and expand its lineup with other passenger vehicles like the Durango SUV.
- Ram focus: Ram became a standalone brand to better serve serious truck customers with innovative features, powerful engines, and a focus on towing and hauling capabilities.
- Business strategy: Creating separate brands allowed for separate leadership, strategic direction, and more targeted product development, helping each brand thrive in its respective market.
- Timeline: The split occurred in 2009 as part of a restructuring by Chrysler Group LLC. The Ram brand was spun off from Dodge, and the rebranding was completed by 2010.
Is RAM basically Dodge?
No, Ram and Dodge are no longer the same brand. In 2009, their parent company, Chrysler, split the Ram pickup truck line into its own separate brand, RAM, while Dodge continued to focus on cars, SUVs, and minivans. Before 2009, trucks were sold as "Dodge Ram," but after the split, they are just "RAM".
- Before 2009: Pickup trucks were called "Dodge Ram".
- After 2009: The truck brand became its own separate company called "RAM," while Dodge focused on other vehicle types like cars and SUVs.
- Ownership: Both brands are still owned by the same parent company, which is now Stellantis, a global automaker.
