Chrysler has decided to grab the axe and split Dodge right in half, severing the ties between Dodge’s Ram truck business and the rest of the company that makes passenger vehicles. Apparently this will allow Dodge to “protect and develop the unique nature of the product offerings within the Dodge brand”, according to Chrysler boss Sergio Marchionne, who is also the CEO of Fiat.
The Dodge Ram truck business will be renamed simply RAM, and will be headed by Fred Diaz. “Dodge Car”’s new head will be Ralph Gilles. Chrysler’s new CEO and marketing head will be Olivier Francois, another man from Fiat where he plays a double role as Fiat marketing chief and the head of the Lancia brand.
Chrysler now has two predominantly truck-based brands – RAM and Jeep. The Dodge Ram is currently in its fourth generation called the Dodge Ram 1500, and is available in various 2-door and 4-door cab bodies.
It’s powered by a choice of a 5.7 liter Hemi V8 producing 390 horsepower and 552Nm of torque, a 4.7 liter Magnum V8 making 310 horses and 447Nm of torque, or a 3.7 liter Magnum V6 making 215 horses and 319Nm of torque.
Dodge also has the smaller Dodge Dakota and the Dodge Durango based on the Dakota. I guess it would make sense for these to follow the Ram to the new RAM brand.