Ram to Launch New Fiat Ducato–Based Promaster Full-Size Van in Late 2013

Ram to Launch New Fiat Ducato–Based Promaster Full-Size Van in Late 2013. A new full-size van has arrived at Ram. After the Daimler-Chrysler juggernaut was dissolved, the Sprinter was no longer an option, leaving Chrysler without a full-size cargo hauler. In 2003, that Mercedes-engineered van replaced the positively ancient Ram Van, whose roots went back to 1971. Dodge stopped selling the Sprinter a few years ago, and now the commercial vehicles division—since renamed Ram Trucks—is getting a slightly re-engineered version of the Fiat Ducato.

From the third quarter of 2013, the Ram Promaster will join the brand’s lineup of trucks, “offering features and powertrains preferred by North American commercial customers,” as the press release promises. It also will be “significantly redesigned with familiar Ram Truck styling cues.” The Ram brand was established in 2009, but we can attest to its familiarity as it took over exactly where Dodge Trucks left off. Cue Dodge’s, er, Ram’s huge cross-hair grille, executed in glitzy chrome. We also expect Ram to offer the choice of a gasoline engine. In Europe, the Ducato and its Peugeot and Citroën siblings are sold only with diesel engines.

Coinciding with the launch of the Promaster, Chrysler will launch the Ram Commercial Truck division. It targets business owners who need a heavy-duty vehicle and aims to provide low-cost pre- and post-sales solutions. The embodiment of this effort, according to Ram, is the Tradesman trim levels available on all models. Ram to Launch New Fiat Ducato–Based Promaster Full-Size Van in Late 2013 

Source : http://blog.caranddriver.com/ram-to-launch-new-fiat-ducato%E2%80%93based-promaster-full-size-van-in-late-2013-2012-l-a-auto-show/