2012 cargo vans get 'Ram Tough'
The Ram Truck brand today unveiled its new 2012 Ram cargo van. The rebranded van includes interior and exterior improvements.
By rebranding the Dodge Grand Caravan as the Ram cargo van, or Ram C/V, Chrysler has paved the way to expand in the commercial van segment.
The U.S. automaker has more than 25 years of minivan engineering and promises the Ram C/V will meet the needs for small and large businesses.
The Ram C/V is a Class 1 commercial vehicle that offers a 1,800-lb. cargo payload and up to 3,600 lbs. in towing capability. It also features 16-inch steel wheels, a 160-amp alternator, 20-gallon fuel tank, and it runs on a 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine. The C/V won't have you crying at the pump with a 25 mpg highway.
Features of the Ram C/V include air conditioning with dual-zone temperature control, an instrument cluster with 120 mph speedometer and tachometer, outside temperature display, an overhead console, a 120-volt auxiliary power outlet, 12-volt front and rear DC power outlets, air filtering, and audio jack input for mobile devices.
The interior also includes cloth low-back bucket seats, "Ram" interior accents, door courtesy lamps, driver and passenger-side sun visors with mirrors, rearview auto-dim mirror, dual glove boxes, front courtesy/map lamps, headlamp shut-off delay, cargo compartment observation mirror, a liftgate floodlamp, lower instrument panel storage bin, dual sliding doors with alert warning, and power locks and windows. Additional features include a security alarm, Sirius Satellite Radio and Uconnect handsfree voice command with Bluetooth, and remote USB port.
The Ram C/V is available in four paint colors: bright silver metallic, brilliant black crystal pearl, stone white, and true blue pearl.
The Ram C/V will be built at the Chrysler Group Windsor (Ontario) Assembly Plant and will go on sale third-quarter 2011 with a starting price of $22,635, including shipping.
Chrysler's competition in the segment are Nissan's full-size NV, that began selling this month at select U.S. retailers, the Ford E series, the GMC Savana and the Chevrolet Express.
"We see growth in the Class 1 light commercial vehicle market," said Fred Diaz, president and CEO of the Ram Truck brand. "With its class-leading capability and a lower total cost of ownership, the highly versatile Ram cargo van is a great vehicle choice for small businesses and commercial fleets."