When did Ram stop using Dodge?
In brief, Ram ceased using the Dodge branding for its pickup trucks in 2010, when Ram became a standalone brand separate from Dodge within Chrysler. Since then, the trucks have been marketed as RAM rather than Dodge Ram.
Background and rationale
The branding shift emerged from Chrysler’s post-bankruptcy restructuring, which aimed to sharpen the market identity of its truck lineup. By separating Ram from Dodge, the company created a dedicated brand focused on the heavy- and light-duty pickup segment, while Dodge continued to concentrate on passenger cars and other SUVs.
Timeline of the branding shift
The following milestones outline when Ram moved away from the Dodge label and established its own identity across the truck lineup.
- 2009: Chrysler announces plans to establish Ram as a standalone brand as part of its restructuring after the government bailout.
- 2010 model year: The Ram Trucks brand is officially launched; pickups are badge‑engineered as RAM, not Dodge Ram, marking the first year of the standalone RAM branding.
- 2011 onward: RAM branding becomes standard across full-size pickups (RAM 1500, RAM 2500, RAM 3500), while the Dodge brand focuses on other vehicle segments.
These milestones illustrate how the branding shifted from a Dodge-based line to a dedicated RAM lineup, changing how customers identify and market the trucks.
Impact for consumers and branding today
Today, RAM operates as a standalone brand under Stellantis, with trucks marketed as RAM 1500/2500/3500. The term "Dodge Ram" is no longer used in official branding, though older references and informal usage may persist among enthusiasts and in some historical materials.
Summary
RAM separated from Dodge in 2010 as part of Chrysler’s restructuring; since then, the trucks have been marketed under the RAM brand, a status that has persisted through the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and Stellantis eras.
When did Ram breakaway from Dodge?
The Dodge RAM pickup truck, meanwhile, was introduced in 1980 for model year 1981; there was also the Ramcharger SUV and Dodge RAM van. The RAM truck continued to bear the Dodge name until RAM and Dodge split in 2009, at which point in time, RAM became its own marque.
Why did Ram go away from Dodge?
This reorganization aimed to focus on the unique identities of each of its brands, leading to the separation of Dodge Ram trucks into its own standalone brand. Ram was established as its own brand in 2010, allowing it to carve out a distinct identity focused on delivering exceptional trucks.
Why do Ram trucks not say Dodge anymore?
Dodge changed its truck lineup to the standalone Ram brand to better focus on specific markets: Ram focuses solely on trucks and commercial vehicles, while Dodge concentrates on performance cars and SUVs. This strategic separation in 2010 allowed each brand to develop its own distinct identity, catering to different customer bases.
- Brand focus: Ram was established as its own brand to target serious truck customers with dedicated resources and innovation for high-performance trucks and vans.
- Dodge's new identity: This allowed Dodge to concentrate on its performance-oriented models, such as the Challenger and Charger, and other cars and SUVs.
- Market differentiation: The split created distinct brands with specialized offerings: Ram for trucks and Dodge for sporty vehicles, similar to how Toyota created Lexus or Honda created Acura.
- Strategic restructuring: The separation was a result of a broader restructuring within Chrysler (now part of Stellantis) in 2009 to give each brand a unique identity and a sharper focus.
When did Dodge stop making Ram?
Dodge stopped making Ram trucks as a separate brand in 2009, when the restructuring of Chrysler led to Ram becoming its own standalone brand in 2010. This change allowed Ram to focus exclusively on pickup trucks and vans, while Dodge shifted its focus to performance vehicles like the Charger and Challenger, and SUVs like the Durango.
- Before 2009: Pickup trucks were sold as the "Dodge Ram".
- 2009: The separation was decided during Chrysler's restructuring.
- 2010: The Ram brand was officially launched, and subsequent trucks were badged as "Ram".
- After 2010: Dodge focuses on cars and SUVs, while the Ram brand is dedicated to trucks.
