RAM (RAM Trucks) is a renowned pickup and commercial vehicle brand originating from the United States, currently owned by Stellantis Group, the world's fourth-largest automotive manufacturer. Originally a pickup product line under Dodge, it formally separated in 2010 to operate independently as "Ram," focusing on the production of full-size pickups, heavy-duty pickups, and light commercial vehicles. All Ram models feature the iconic Ram head badge. Its tough, powerful styling and highly recognizable logo have made it a representative symbol of American pickup culture.
The Ram logo originates from a ram head relief first used by Dodge's founder in 1932. It features a walking ram as the main subject, paired with prominent "RAM" branding. The design is steady, heavy, and impactful, reflecting the brand's positioning of toughness, durability, and performance. Adhering to the core concept "Built to Serve," Ram is committed to providing users with high-end pickups that combine luxury, comfort, strong power, and multifunctionality. As a spiritual totem of American muscle pickups, Ram has transcended its origins as a Dodge subsidiary; its ram head logo now stands as the ultimate symbol of extreme performance and rugged identity.
RAM's pickup history dates back to 1917 when the Dodge brothers began manufacturing trucks. In 1961, Dodge launched the D/W series pickups, which were the first to be equipped with a Chrysler 5.2L V8 engine. The first-generation Dodge Ram, officially named "Ram," was born in 1981 based on the 1972 Dodge D series pickup. The initial batch offered inline-six and 5.9L V8 engines, marking the beginning of the "Ram" series era. In 1984, the second generation was released, continuing the boxy and tough design language. In 1994, the third-generation Dodge Ram adopted a new platform and was the first in the industry to offer features such as driver-side airbags and four-door cabs, gradually shedding the label of a pure utility vehicle.
In 2002, the fourth-generation Ram was unveiled, rapidly increasing the brand's global influence. In 2009, the fifth-generation Dodge Ram underwent a large-scale update. In 2010, Stellantis Group officially announced the separation of RAM from the Dodge brand, renaming it from "Dodge Ram" to "RAM Trucks." The brand's positioning focused on high-performance, high-reliability full-size pickups and commercial vehicle manufacturing. In 2018, the fifth-generation new RAM 1500 pickup was officially released, featuring a body constructed with significant amounts of aluminum and new high-strength steel. The interior was largely upgraded, marking a new step forward in luxury, technology, and power performance.
Starting in the 2020s, RAM began deploying its electrification transformation in line with new energy trends. However, this process experienced repeated adjustments: the production plan for the pure electric concept pickup 1500 REV, launched in 2023, was postponed to 2025, 2026, and even 2027, before being formally announced as abandoned in September 2025. The brand subsequently shifted its focus to range-extended electric pickups. Meanwhile, in 2025, RAM announced that the 5.7L HEMI V8 engine would return to the 2026 Ram 1500 due to strong market demand. At the beginning of 2026, it was announced that production of the flagship high-performance model Ram 1500 SRT TRX would resume, reflecting the brand's prudent balancing act between new energy transformation and traditional large-displacement fuel routes.
RAM's product line covers full-size half-ton pickups, heavy-duty three-ton pickups, and light commercial vehicles. As of 2026, the main models are as follows:
Ram 1500 Series: This is the sales pillar of the brand, belonging to the half-ton light pickup category (referring to a payload of about 1,000 lbs, or approximately 0.45 tons). The 2025 model introduced a new Hurricane 3.0L inline-six twin-turbo engine, offering calibrations of 420 horsepower (Standard) and 540 horsepower (High-performance RHO). In response to market demand, the 2026 model decided to bring the 5.7L HEMI V8 engine back to the series.
Ram 1500 TRX (2027 Model): As the flagship of RAM's high-performance pickups, production resumption was announced in 2026, with plans for an official market launch at the end of that year. It is equipped with a 6.2L Supercharged V8 HEMI engine, delivering a maximum power of 777 horsepower and peak torque of 921 N·m. The vehicle accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.5 seconds. Matched with an 8-speed automatic transmission and a 4WD system, its off-road configurations lead its peers, featuring front suspension travel of 330 mm, rear suspension travel of 356 mm, and ground clearance of approximately 300 mm.
Ram HD Series: This series covers the Ram 2500, Ram 3500, and other heavy-duty pickup models, positioned in the three-ton heavy-duty pickup market (payload about 3,000 lbs, or approximately 1.36 tons). It is specifically designed for high-intensity towing and heavy-load scenarios. The chassis is made of 98% high-strength steel, and the rear axle features a leaf spring structure for stronger load-bearing capacity. The heavy-duty series includes the Power Wagon version, which is purely oriented towards off-roading and is equipped with Bilstein monotube shock absorbers and the only electronically disconnecting anti-roll bar in its class.
Ram ProMaster Series: This is the core product of the brand's commercial vehicle segment, covering both fuel and pure electric powertrains. The 2025 fuel-powered ProMaster offers a 3.6L V6 engine (276 hp), with a starting price in North America of $44,960. The pure electric ProMaster EV is equipped with a 110kWh battery and a front-mounted single motor (268 hp, 302 lb-ft torque). It has a maximum range of about 164 miles (approximately 264 km), a cargo volume of up to 463 cubic feet, and a payload capacity of up to 3,020 lbs (about 1,370 kg).
RAM is a top brand in the US full-size pickup market. According to 2025 US auto sales data, annual sales of the Ram 1500 pickup reached 374,059 units, ranking fifth among all US model sales. In the pickup sub-segment, it sits in the first tier, second only to the Ford F-Series and Chevrolet Silverado. In the second quarter of 2025, Ram brand sales in the US market grew by 5% year-on-year, with light pickups (mainly the 1500 series) surging 17% year-on-year, demonstrating strong growth momentum. Although Ram 1500 sales dropped 15.5% year-on-year in the first seven months of 2025, the brand rebounded strongly starting in the third quarter. Deliveries reached 44,349 units, up 10% year-on-year, bringing annual sales roughly in line with the previous year.
In terms of sub-segment positioning, the Ram 1500 is renowned for its luxury and comfort, establishing a unique position among high-end pickup consumers. The TRX high-performance version competes directly with the Ford F-150 Raptor R in the off-road performance pickup segment. In June 2025, after the 2026 Ram 1500 equipped with the 5.7L HEMI V8 was re-listed, it received over 10,000 orders within 24 hours, strongly confirming the market demand for V8-powered pickups.
Powertrain: RAM offers a diverse range of powertrain options. On the fuel side, it features the classic 5.7L HEMI V8 naturally aspirated engine (395 hp), the new Hurricane 3.0L twin-turbo inline-six engine introduced in 2025 (producing 420–540 hp), and the flagship TRX equipped with a 6.2L supercharged V8 engine (777 hp). The heavy-duty diesel versions are powered by a 6.7L Cummins turbo diesel engine. In terms of electrification, the ProMaster EV has achieved pure electric mass production. Additionally, the range-extended 1500 REV is equipped with a 3.6L V6 generator, a 92kWh battery, and a dual-motor 4WD system, delivering a combined output of 494kW and 834Nm.
Chassis and Suspension: Both RAM light and heavy-duty pickups utilize a high-strength steel frame structure, with the heavy-duty series consisting of 98% high-strength steel. The suspension system features a three-link independent front suspension, while the rear axle uses either four-link coil springs or leaf springs, depending on the model configuration. The TRX high-performance version is equipped with the Bilstein Black Hawk e2 active adaptive damping system (2nd generation), which works in conjunction with the Ram Active Terrain Dynamics suspension management system to adjust rebound and compression damping in real-time based on road conditions.
Intelligent Towing and Off-road System: RAM vehicles are equipped with an intelligent trailer towing assistance system, offering a maximum towing capacity of up to 37,090 lbs (approximately 16,830 kg). TRX models provide multi-scenario driving mode selections, including Mud, Sand, Rock, Baja, and Snow. They also feature valet parking and towing assistance functions to enhance convenience for daily use.
RAM's global business is anchored in the North American Free Trade Area, which serves as its core base for manufacturing and exports. The Saltillo Assembly Plant in Mexico acts as the global production hub for the brand's 1500 Light Duty models. The plant resumed production in October 2025, with an annual capacity planned to reach 163,000 units, catering to orders from Mexico, Canada, and other international markets. In the first quarter of 2026, RAM demonstrated strong overall growth in North America, with sales in Canada rising 15% year-on-year and those in Mexico increasing by 19%.
In the Asia-Pacific market, RAM is actively expanding its presence in Australia through right-hand drive models. From January to April 2026, the Ram 1500 delivered 666 units in Australia, becoming the sales champion in the full-size pickup sub-segment. In Latin America, RAM introduced the Ram 1200 mid-size pickup, targeting markets such as Mexico. This model is produced under contract by Changan Kaicheng (based on the F70 platform) and integrates American-style exterior design with localized adaptation tuning. Meanwhile, in the Middle East and Gulf regions, RAM is gradually expanding its channel layout to capture share in the high-end pickup segment.
RAM's electrification strategy is the core proposition determining the brand's mid-to-long-term direction. After several delays, RAM officially terminated the research and development of the pure electric 1500 REV in September 2025, choosing instead to concentrate all resources on the range-extended electric pickup direction. The model was originally planned for a market launch at the end of 2025 and was subsequently postponed to "early 2026." The range-extended version will be equipped with an approximately 92kWh battery pack and a 3.6L V6 range-extending engine, with comprehensive range and towing capacity serving as its core competitive advantages.
In terms of product planning, the 2027 high-performance TRX model will represent the peak of the brand's fuel vehicle era. Market reaction to this model will provide a basis for judging the future development of RAM's internal combustion engine (ICE) product line. In the commercial vehicle sector, the 2026 ProMaster EV will continue to drive electrification efforts, while the traditional fuel-powered ProMaster will remain available to maintain market supply. Regarding production capacity, the completion of the Saltillo factory expansion means the Mexico base will further undertake export supply tasks for the global market.
The future tone of the RAM brand will be "dual-track parallel": fuel vehicles will hold the foundational position with high performance and reliability, while range-extended electric vehicles will serve as a transitional pivot into the new energy era. Traditional pickups and next-generation electric drive technologies will mutually complement each other, ensuring steady advancement.
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