Who builds Ram vehicles?
Ram vehicles are built by Stellantis, the global automaker formed from the 2021 merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) and PSA Group, with the Ram brand serving as its North American truck and commercial-vehicle division.
Ram began as a Dodge-branded line and was established as a separate Ram brand around 2009–2010, focusing on pickups and commercial vans. Today, Stellantis oversees Ram’s production across multiple North American facilities, producing a lineup that includes pickups and vans and pursuing electrification and advanced-technology upgrades for the future.
Brand and Ownership
Ram is a Stellantis brand dedicated to trucks and commercial vehicles. The designation reflects the company’s emphasis on capability, durability, and fleet solutions, with ongoing efforts to expand electrified options and modern technologies in its lineup.
Where Ram Vehicles Are Built
Ram vehicles are manufactured at several Stellantis-owned facilities in North America, reflecting the brand’s emphasis on U.S. and Mexican markets. The production network supports both consumer pickup trucks and commercial vans.
- Ram pickups: 1500 (light-duty), 2500 and 3500 (heavy-duty)
- Ram ProMaster — commercial van family
- Ram ProMaster City — compact commercial van
These plants are part of Stellantis' North American manufacturing footprint and can evolve with model-year updates and corporate strategy.
The Ram brand’s production framework balances domestic manufacturing with capacity to serve fleet customers and consumer markets, aligning with Stellantis’ broader North American manufacturing strategy.
Current Ram Models
Among the vehicles commonly associated with the Ram lineup are the following, spanning everyday work trucks to commercial vans. Availability can vary by market and year.
- Ram 1500 — light-duty pickup
- Ram 2500 — heavy-duty pickup
- Ram 3500 — heavy-duty pickup
- Ram ProMaster — full-size commercial van
- Ram ProMaster City — compact commercial van
Note: Model offerings may differ by region, and Stellantis continues to evolve Ram’s product lineup, including potential electrified variants.
History and Context
The Ram brand split from Dodge in the early 2010s to focus on trucks and commercial vans, while Dodge retained the brand’s core passenger models. In 2021, FCA merged with PSA Group to form Stellantis, making Ram a brand within a larger global automaker. Since then, Ram production has remained centered in North America, with ongoing investments in electrification and advanced manufacturing.
Summary
Ram vehicles are built by Stellantis, the parent automaker behind the Ram brand, using a North American production network that includes pickups and commercial vans. The lineup features the Ram 1500, 2500, 3500 and the ProMaster family, with ongoing adaptations to market demand and technology advancements. For the latest, most precise details on production sites and current model availability, consult Stellantis’s official materials or recent corporate communications.
Who actually makes Ram trucks?
Chrysler acquired Dodge in 1981 and kept their most popular models, including RAM pickup trucks. From 1981 to 2009, their pickup trucks were named “Dodge RAM,”. After 2009, RAM trucks became its own brand.
Which is better, Ram or Ford?
Neither Ram nor Ford is definitively "better"; the right choice depends on your priorities, as each has different strengths. The Ram 1500 often excels in interior comfort and ride quality, with features like a more upscale cabin and available larger infotainment screens. The Ford F-150 typically has an advantage in towing and payload capacity, has more user-friendly infotainment, and offers a more powerful optional hybrid engine.
This video compares the driving experience, performance, and technology of Ram 1500 and Ford F-150: 1mEdmunds CarsYouTube · Jul 4, 2024
Ram 1500 advantages
- Interior and comfort: Ram is often praised for its upscale and comfortable cabin, including high-quality materials and a quieter ride.
- Available technology: It offers unique features like a 14.4-inch infotainment screen and digital key.
- Safety technology: The Ram's hands-free driving assist is noted for being more reliable than Ford's system in some comparisons.
- Price: One source suggests the Ram's lower price point can make up for its slightly lower towing capacity.
Ford F-150 advantages
- Towing and payload: The F-150 has a higher maximum towing capacity and payload capacity.
- User-friendly technology: It comes standard with a 12-inch touchscreen that is generally considered more intuitive to use, with better integration of features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
- Onboard power: The F-150's hybrid model offers an optional 7.2 kW of onboard power for running equipment, notes Edmunds.
- Performance: The F-150's lighter weight can make it a quicker truck, even with the Ram's powerful engines.
How to choose
- Choose Ram if: Your priority is a more comfortable and luxurious ride, with a focus on interior feel and available technology.
- Choose Ford if: You need maximum towing and payload capacity, a more user-friendly infotainment system, or the option of a powerful onboard generator in the hybrid model.
- Consider both: Both trucks are highly capable, and personal preference plays a significant role. Taking both for a test drive is highly recommended to see which one better fits your needs and driving style, recommends Gallatin Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram.
Are all Ram trucks built in Mexico?
Yes, some Ram trucks are made in Mexico, specifically the heavy-duty models (250025002500, 350035003500, 450045004500, and 550055005500) are primarily assembled at the Saltillo Truck Assembly Plant in Mexico. While heavy-duty and some classic 1500 models come from Mexico, the main Ram 1500 models are assembled in Sterling Heights, Michigan.
- Heavy-duty trucks: The Ram 250025002500, 350035003500, 450045004500, and 550055005500 are made in Saltillo, Mexico.
- Ram 1500 Classic: Some Ram 1500 Classic models are also produced at the Saltillo plant.
- Ram 1500: The current, fifth-generation Ram 150015001500 is manufactured in Sterling Heights, Michigan.
- Dual production: Some Ram 150015001500 and 250025002500 models may be produced in Mexico, depending on the specific configuration.
- VIN identification: You can identify a truck's country of origin by checking the VIN. A VIN starting with a 333 indicates it was made in Mexico, while a VIN starting with a 111 indicates it was made in the U.S.
Why is Ram not Dodge anymore?
Ram is not a Dodge anymore because it was spun off into a separate brand in 2009 to allow Dodge to focus on performance cars and Ram to concentrate on trucks. This strategic move created two distinct brands with their own identities and product lines, allowing each to better cater to its specific customer base. Dodge now focuses on muscle cars and other performance vehicles, while Ram specializes in trucks and commercial vans.
- Clarified brand identity: The split was a strategic move to create a clear distinction between a performance-oriented brand (Dodge) and a truck-focused brand (Ram).
- Focused product development: This allowed each brand to dedicate its resources and research to its core market, leading to more specialized and competitive products.
- Targeted customers: Ram now focuses on "real truck customers" who need capability and power, while Dodge targets a different demographic interested in its performance vehicles.
- Leadership and structure: Separate leadership was appointed for each brand to own its success and steer its future, with Fred Diaz Jr. leading Ram and Ralph Gilles leading Dodge after the 2009 split.
