Iconic US truck brand Ram broke cover in New Zealand at the National Fieldays in Hamilton, showing off a range of comprehensively re-engineered right hand drive Ram 2500 and 3500 series trucks for sale across New Zealand.
American Special Vehicles is a venture combining the resources of Australia’s largest independent automotive importer and distributor, Ateco Automotive, with the legendary Walkinshaw Automotive Group.
Ram is the fastest-growing truck brand in the United States. Since its launch as a stand-alone division of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) in 2009, the Ram Truck brand has steadily emerged as an industry leader with US sales more than 40,000 trucks per month.
The ASV Ram trucks are imported to Australia direct from the factory in left hand drive. The Walkinshaw Automotive Group then completely remanufactures the Ram vehicles to right hand drive on a purpose built production line in Melbourne.
Powered by a 6.7-litre Cummins turbo diesel engine producing 276kW and a staggering 1,084Nm of torque, Ram Trucks feature an enormous towing capacity of up to 6,989kg for the Ram 2500 and an impressive 6,170kg for the Ram 3500. Payload is 913kg for the Ram 2500 and 1,713kg for the Ram 3500.
All that power and weight is fed to the road via a 68RFE six-speed automatic transmission, which includes driver-adaptive shifting and three multiple clutch packs, dual filters on a dual stage pump and an independent lubrication cooler that delivers ample pressures under all loads and driving conditions.
Ram engineers had the toughest of jobs in mind when they developed the Ram 2500 and Ram 3500 heavy-duty, 50-KSI steel frame, providing for more structural support than ever. Eight separate cross members, hydro formed frame rails and fully boxed rear rails help add strength and stability, giving the 2500 and 3500 the support to tow bigger and work harder.
The Ram 2500 front suspension features a unique three-link coil spring arrangement. The rear suspension boasts a class exclusive five link coil spring suspension featuring unique multi-rate coil springs and heavy duty fixed displacement twin tube shock absorbers, both of which are placed in an outboard position that optimises performance and minimises noise and vibration.
The Ram 3500 is even tougher with Hotchkiss rear leaf spring suspension that delivers mighty towing and payload capability. A significantly larger stabiliser bar generates higher roll stiffness than past models and gives Ram 3500 Heavy Duty trucks more stability on the road – and off. The advanced three-link front suspension on Ram 3500 increases roll stiffness and supports its increased towing capacity.
The transfer case in the Ram is exactly what you need for an ultra-tough 4x4 capability. The BorgWarner BW 44-46 transfer case features responsive electronic shift on the fly engineering with three operating ranges plus neutral. This impressive unit offers a low range reduction ratio of 2.64:1 – an ideal ratio when off road in a slow rock climbing situation or when using your Ram 4x4 on challenging terrain or steep grades.
Sophisticated comfort meets work ready durability in a Ram Truck cabin jam packed with features.
Start with leather trimmed seats, heated and ventilated in the front with 10-way power adjustment for the driver and six way adjustment for the front passenger. Then there’s a heated, leather bound steering wheel with integrated audio controls to turn the power steering, dual zone climate control, tinted power windows, a 20cm touchscreen display, a 17cm multi-view cluster, a nine speaker sound system with subwoofer, ports for mobile devices and a media hub, Bluetooth and the list goes on, and
on and on…
Ram trucks are also big on safety and security featuring advanced, multi-stage front airbags, front and rear seat curtain airbags, electronic stability control, rear park assist and rear view camera, an eye level brake light with cargo camera, a tyre pressure monitoring system and remote keyless entry.
John DiBerardino is a long-time member of the Walkinshaw Automotive Group and joint chief operating officer of American Special Vehicles with overall responsibility for the right hand drive re-engineering and after sales support.
“Our engineers and manufacturing teams have risen to the challenge of implementing a completely unique build process for the right hand drive Ram,” he said, “while simultaneously designing, sourcing and cataloguing hundreds of original equipment quality parts.
“Our goal was to produce a right hand drive Ram truck that meets the engineering standards, quality and refinement of the left hand drive product,” he said. “We have spent tens of thousands of man-hours and millions of dollars to make sure we get this right. I believe that the Ram trucks engineered by American Special Vehicles have set a new benchmark – they are spot on.”
Peter McGeown is a well-known and highly regarded veteran of the local auto industry and joint chief operating officer of American Special Vehicles with overall responsibility for import, distribution, network, sales and marketing.
“There is a significant opportunity to fill the pent up demand for an OEM quality vehicle of this type,” he said. “Not just the quality of the vehicle either, though that is significant, we will offer a nation-wide dealer network with sales, parts and service support commensurate with
a brand of this standing.
“We want people to be confident when buying a Ram truck, assured they are getting value for their money and certain that we will be there to support their vehicle when necessary. The quality of dealer we have been able to recruit to form our Ram Truck network has convinced me that we will meet that challenge.”
Right hand drive Ram trucks engineered by American Special Vehicles are covered by a comprehensive three year, 100,000km warranty along with full parts and service support.
Further information in regard to model range, specification, pricing and the Ram dealer network is available at www.ramtrucks.co.nz
