RAM expands operations in Australia to 2023 – Dubai Car News

Full-size American pickups are here to stay, and RAM is expanding its local operation to meet growing demand.

RAM full-size trucks are imported from the US by the Ateco Group and converted to right-hand drive in Melbourne with the help of Walkinshaw Automotive.

Earlier, the facility had a capacity to convert 10,000 vehicles per year, which has now doubled to 20,000 per year.

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The facility now covers an area of ​​16,025 square meters converting the light-duty RAM 1500 models into the heavy-duty 2500 and 3500 diesel-powered models on a separate line.

Not only has the facility grown in size, but so has the workforce. 641 employees making RAM the largest Australian automotive manufacturer.

RAM isn’t the only brand converting full-size trucks locally, as Chevrolet also imports the Silverado. The Ford F-150 will hit the scene in 2023 – also locally modified – Toyota is also likely to hit the market with the Tundra.

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“Australia is a very important market for us outside of North America, and the growth we’ve seen here over the past few years has been phenomenal,” RAM International head Bob Grizek said on a tour of the Australian operations.

How big is RAM in Australia?

By the end of September 2022 RAM sold 4153 trucks.There has been an increase of 45% compared to last year. Most sales come from the light duty 1500 model, followed by the 2500 and 3500.

Since the relationship began in 2013, Walkinshaw Automotive Group has converted a total of 18,019 utes for the Australian and New Zealand markets. Australia is RAM’s largest market outside the US.

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RAM Australian Range

The 2023 Australian RAM range starts with the 1500 Express short-wheelbase starting at $99,950 before on-road costs. High-trim Laramie and Limited variants are available.

All light-duty RAMs have a 291kW/556Nm 5.7-litre petrol V8 and eight-speed automatic transmission with four-wheel drive.

The heavy-duty 2500 Laramie is priced at $163,950 and the 1500 TRX flagship competitor, the Ford Ranger Raptor, is priced at $199,950.

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