Why is it called Ram and not Dodge?
The Dodge Ram is a popular line of pickup trucks produced by Stellantis (formerly Fiat Chrysler Automobiles). However, the name "Ram" is not directly related to the Dodge brand. Instead, it refers to the distinct Ram brand that was established in 1981 as a separate division within Chrysler Corporation.
The Origins of the Ram Brand
In the late 1970s, Chrysler Corporation recognized the growing demand for larger, more capable pickup trucks. To better compete in this market, they decided to create a new brand dedicated to producing high-quality, heavy-duty trucks. The Ram brand was born in 1981 as a separate division within Chrysler, with the first Ram-branded trucks hitting the market in 1981 as 1982 models.
The name "Ram" was chosen to evoke the rugged, powerful image of a ram, a male sheep known for its large, curved horns and aggressive behavior. This aligned well with the intended positioning of the new truck line as a tough, capable workhorse. The Ram logo, featuring a ram's head, further reinforced this brand identity.
Separating Ram from Dodge
Initially, the Ram trucks were sold under the Dodge brand, as the "Dodge Ram." However, as the Ram line grew in popularity and importance within Chrysler's lineup, the decision was made to establish it as a distinct brand separate from Dodge. This occurred in 2010, when the Ram brand was officially spun off from Dodge, allowing it to develop its own unique identity and marketing strategy.
By separating the Ram and Dodge brands, Chrysler was able to better position the Ram trucks as premium, heavy-duty vehicles, distinct from the more mainstream Dodge passenger cars and light-duty trucks. This strategic move has helped the Ram brand to thrive and gain significant market share in the highly competitive pickup truck segment.
The Enduring Ram Brand
Today, the Ram brand continues to be a key part of Stellantis' (formerly Fiat Chrysler Automobiles) lineup, offering a range of full-size and heavy-duty pickup trucks, as well as commercial vans. The Ram brand has become synonymous with rugged capability, innovative features, and a distinct identity that sets it apart from other truck manufacturers.
So, in summary, the Ram name and brand were established to create a dedicated, premium truck line within the Chrysler Corporation, leveraging the powerful and rugged imagery of a ram. This strategic decision has paid off, as the Ram brand has become a dominant player in the highly competitive pickup truck market.
Why is Ram different from Dodge?
``No, Dodge and RAM are not two different companies, but they are separate brands under the same parent company, Stellantis. In 2009, Dodge's parent company, Chrysler, made RAM a standalone name for their pickup trucks, while Dodge retained the brand for their cars, SUVs, and minivans.
Why are RAM trucks not called Dodge?
The company dropped the “Dodge” in 2009, so all trucks made from this date forward were simply “RAM trucks”. And though Dodge and RAM are still part of the same company, the trucks are labeled solely as RAM.
Who makes RAM engines?
Chrysler maintained production of the engines up until Stellantis took the helm in 2021, producing the Ram series in full—from the light-duty 1500 all the way up to the heavy-duty 3500. The only other company responsible for making Ram engines is Cummins, which is known for its diesel power plants.
What was Dodge originally called?
the Dodge Brothers Company machine
Founded as the Dodge Brothers Company machine shop by brothers Horace Elgin Dodge and John Francis Dodge in the early 1900s, Dodge was originally a supplier of parts and assemblies to Detroit-based automakers like Ford.
When did Ram stop being a Dodge?
2009
When Did Dodge and RAM Split? 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.
Why did they change the name from Dodge RAM?
I would say that they changed their name from dodge to RAM in an effort to change their image, but that isn't true. Dodge spun off their truck line and named it RAM, so that dodge could focus on their automotive products (muscle cars and sedans,) and to allow RAM to focus on developing their truck line.
How did Dodge come up with the name Ram?
The name “Ram” was intended to pay homage to the Ram air hood, which had first become popular around 1933. Dodge-brand trucks quickly became popular throughout the twentieth century, and in the 1980s, the company founded Dodge Ram, or just Ram, a name many will associate with premium pickup trucks.
Why is RAM so special?
Ram is one of the most revered gods among India's Hindus, who make up about 80 percent of a total population of 1.4 billion. As the hero of the Ramayana epic, he is a king and a paragon of virtue, exiled from his native Ayodhya, who comes home for a jubilant coronation.
Is Dodge still owned by Chrysler?
Technically, the answer is no. Chrysler is not Dodge, and Chrysler does not own the Dodge brand. Chrysler and Dodge have a parent company called Stellantis. Under the Chrysler and Dodge parent company, Stellantis, you'll find other popular makes such as Jeep and RAM.
Why are RAMs called Ram?
This kind of ram comes from the male sheep and his powerful horns — and so does the verb ram: "I watched the rams ram their heads into each other as they battled over territory." Some word experts think the word stems from the Old Norse rammr, "strong."
