US buyers will have to wait a bit longer for the next generation of the Ram heavy duty pickup truck. For a while, the word has been that Ram would redesign the Ram heavy duties on its all-new DT platform. Today, sources at the Automotive News have reported that Ram will not be offering a redesign on the new DT platform in 2018. They still plan on doing a refresh and update for 2018, but it will remain on the current DS platform a while longer.
Alongside this news of a delays for the Ram heavy-duty pickups, comes news that the much-anticipated Jeep Grand Wagoneer will also see a delay in production. We have known about the prospective, 7-seater, six-figure price-tag Jeep since 2014. We will have to wait a bit longer for the Range-Rover fighting Jeep.
Why is FCA pushing these two huge projects back? Nobody is exactly sure yet. However, there is plenty of speculation as to why they need to cut costs. The theory which seems most plausible is that FCA has just spent tons of money revamping their factories in the US so that they can produce more Jeep SUVs and Ram trucks, rather than continuing to produce the worse selling sedans. Additionally, FCA have just put billions of dollars into revitalizing the Alfa Romeo brand, with the Giulia and Stelvio yet to go on sale in the US. Whatever the case, FCA must feel that their money is better spent elsewhere for the time being.
Be sure to stay tuned for more news on the Ram heavy duty redesign as well as any further information about the Jeep Grand Wagoneer. We will be sure to follow up on this as soon as we know more!
In the meantime, check out this Prototype Hunting video featuring the camouflaged 2018 Ram HDs test mules.