Dodge Unleashes Game-changer Into Truck Market

All-new 2009 Dodge Ram Breaks From the Herd

• All-new, bold, powerful, "get-out-of-the-way" Dodge Ram design
• New, aggressive "grille-forward" design
• First-in-segment chrome-tipped dual exhaust styled dramatically into the rear bumper
• Best-in-class aerodynamics - an estimated .422 Cd
• Dodge Ram's first-ever crew cab, giving Dodge an entry into the largest and fastest-growing part of the market. Crew cab accounts for nearly 50 percent of market
• New 5.7-liter HEMI^® V-8 provides more horsepower (380 hp) and torque (404 lb.-ft.), with increased fuel economy (an estimated 4 percent)

• Best-in-class performance: 0-60 mph in under 7 seconds
• New interiors with premium seating, soft-touch materials, redesigned controls, floor console with shifter, and even more storage options
• More than 35 new or improved features
• Industry-first RamBox cargo management system (crew cab) includes versatile, weatherproof, lockable, illuminated and drainable storage bins built into bed rails (a total of 8.6 cubic feet of space); pickup bed divider/2-foot bed extender; and cargo rail system with four sliding, adjustable cleats
• RamBox bins hold up to 10 cases of 12-ounce beverages, or other gear for work or leisure
• First-in-segment "store in the floor" storage bins with removable liners, big enough for ten 12-ounce beverages and ice

• First-in-segment heated and ventilated front seats
• Heated rear seats also available
• Heated steering wheel a first for any Dodge vehicle
• First-in-segment coil-spring, multilink rear suspension fitted to a solid rear axle provides ride and handling capabilities unexpected in a pickup truck
• First-in-segment live SIRIUS Backseat TV^™
• First-in-segment surround-sound audio system
• More than 30 safety features, including standard four-wheel Anti-lock Brake System and Electronic Stability Program with Hill Start Assist and Trailer Sway Control
• All-new 2009 Dodge Ram to arrive this fall
• Light-duty diesel to arrive after 2009; two-mode hybrid powertrain to be offered in 2010 model year

Dodge has been building trucks since1917. Throughout its storied history, Dodge introduced a number of innovative trucks - the original "Suburban," aerodynamic Airflow-model trucks and the ultra-capable Power Wagon. But it was in 1994 that Dodge introduced a revolutionary Ram in the light-duty pickup market, with its "big rig" styling and iconic crosshair grille.

"We put a truck on the market that tripled our market share," said Ralph Gilles, Vice President - Jeep^®/Truck Design Studio, Chrysler LLC. "Our design was polarizing - people loved it or hated it. But the people who loved it, bought it. They still do, because Dodge Ram continues to stand out from the herd of 'me-too' trucks."

For the redesign of its all-new, next-generation Ram, Dodge pulled out all the stops.

"Our mandate was to make a quantum leap and add even more voltage to Ram," said Scott Kunselman, Vice President - Body-on-Frame Product Team. "Our all-new 2009 Dodge Ram is a game-changer in terms of capability, convenience, craftsmanship and safety."

Capability

In addition to the new-generation 5.7-liter HEMI which produces 380 hp (283 kW) and 404 lb.-ft. (548 N_m) of torque, the all-new 2009 Dodge Ram offers a 4.7-liter V-8 providing 310 horsepower (231 kW) and 330 lb.-ft. (447 N_m) of torque, and a 3.7-liter V-6 generating 215 horsepower (160 kW) and 235 lb.-ft. (319 N_m) of torque; a six-speed manual transmission and four- and five-speed automatic transmissions; part-time and on-demand four-wheel-drive transfer cases; and 3.21, 3.55, 3.92 and 4.10 axle ratios.

Equipped with the new HEMI, the all-new 2009 Dodge Ram R/T regular-cab 4x2 model with a short bed and 4:10 gears blasts to best-in-class performance of 0-60 mph in under 7 seconds.

The all-new 2009 Dodge Ram is offered in regular cab, Quad Cab^® and crew cab, with three box lengths: 8-foot (regular cab), 6-foot-4-inches (regular cab and Quad Cab), and a new-for-2009 box length of 5-foot-7-inches (crew cab). Five trim levels are available, each with a unique appearance: ST, SLT, TRX, Sport, and the top-of-the-line Laramie.

An improved frame design incorporating high-strength steel supports an all-new, first-in-segment, multi-link coil spring rear suspension that improves ride and handling characteristics without sacrificing payload (up to an estimated 1,840 pounds) and towing capability (up to an estimated 9,100 pounds).

Convenience

The all-new 2009 Dodge Ram Crew 1500 features an available first-in-segment RamBox cargo management system that provides weatherproof, lockable, illuminated and drainable storage compartments integrated into both fender sides for effortless access and convenience. Each box holds up to 4.3 cubic feet of whatever - such as five cases (120 cans) of 12-ounce beverages.

The RamBox system includes a bed divider/2-foot bed extender for oversize loads and a rail system with sliding, adjustable cleats for infinitely adjustable tie-down capability. The 2009 Dodge Ram's tailgate features a standard assist feature that reduces the effort needed to raise and close the tailgate.

Another new segment-first innovation for the 2009 Dodge Ram Crew 1500 is a pair of "store in the floor" bins with removable liners that offer even more versatile storage - large enough for ten 12-ounce beverages and ice.

There are many other convenient storage locations throughout the all-new 2009 Dodge Ram including a large upper glove box, map pockets in door panels and a configurable center console. All in all, there are nearly twice as many storage locations in the all-new 2009 Dodge Ram than were in the previous model.

Technically sophisticated, yet simple-to-navigate electronic and infotainment choices include MyGIG Multimedia Infotainment System with 30-gigabyte hard drive, navigation system, and a rear-seat DVD entertainment system available in the Quad Cab and crew cab. Also available is first-in-segment live SIRIUS Backseat TV^™ and segment-first surround-sound audio.

Other premium amenities include first-in-segment heated and ventilated front seats, available heated rear seats, first-for-Dodge heated steering wheel, one-touch up/down driver and passenger windows, automatic-on headlamps and dual-zone automatic temperature control - a first for Dodge Ram.

Craftsmanship

In addition to the exterior, the all-new interior of the 2009 Dodge Ram stands out with a renewed emphasis on craftsmanship expressed in premium interior appointments including six-ring instrumentation, redesigned controls, chrome accents, premium seating with improved bolsters and two-tone upholstery. An automatic-transmission floor shifter, incorporated into a configurable center console, is available for the first time in a Dodge Ram. All 2009 Dodge Ram interiors are significantly upgraded with "soft-touch" materials that feature industry-first two-tone technology and premium fit and finish. Full-width contrasting stitching is offered on soft-touch instrument panels for Sport and Laramie models.

On the exterior, the all-new 2009 Dodge Ram features a redesigned aluminum hood with a large power bulge and a forward-canted grille, imparting a "head down, ready to charge" attitude, while front and rear bumpers wrap around each body side. The rear bumper on HEMI-equipped models is radiused over chromed dual exhaust tips - a first in light-duty pickups. Attractive 20-inch wheels are available in three styles. Sills are pulled down to cover frame rails for a premium appearance. Badges are three-dimensional, rather than decals, and are designed to stand out. The sculpted Ram's-head badge on the tailgate is 250 percent larger than the previous badge.

Safety

On the safety and security front, the all-new 2009 Dodge Ram offers more than 30 active and passive safety features, including standard front and rear side-curtain air bags with Enhanced Accident Response System, knee bolsters, seat-belt pre-tensioners, Anti-lock Brake System, BeltAlert^® System, and Electronic Stability Control; and available adjustable pedals, ParkSense^® Rear Park Assist and ParkView^® Rear Back-up Camera.

Manufacturing

The all-new 2009 Dodge Ram will be built in two locations: Quad Cab and Ram Crew 1500 models will be built at the Warren (Mich.) Assembly Plant, and regular cab and Ram Crew 1500 models will be built at the St. Louis North Assembly Plan in Fenton, Mo.

Dodge to Offer All-New Cummins Light-duty Clean Diesel

New Diesel to be Introduced in Dodge Ram 1500 after 2009

• All-new engine to provide up to 30-percent improvement in fuel economy
• Clean-diesel technology to meet 50-state 2010 emissions standards

Armed with new Cummins clean-diesel technology, Dodge will introduce an all-new turbodiesel engine in its light-duty pickup trucks after 2009.

The new engine will provide a dramatic increase in low-end torque, up to a 30-percent improvement in fuel efficiency and a 20-percent reduction in carbon dioxide (C02) emissions when compared to an equivalent gasoline engine.

"Our all-new Cummins engine will offer future Dodge Ram 1500 customers the ultimate in terms of fuel economy, refinement, reliability and durability," said Frank Klegon, Executive Vice President - Product Development, Chrysler LLC. "It's another example of Dodge bringing new, clean, quiet diesel technology to the marketplace."

The new clean diesel engine will meet 50-state emissions standards for 2010. Dodge now offers a 6.7-liter Cummins turbodiesel in its Ram Heavy Duty trucks that meets 2010 standards in all 50 states.

"We are pleased to build upon our 19-year partnership and brand franchise Dodge by providing our new light-duty diesel-powered engine for use in the Dodge Ram 1500," said Tim Solso, Cummins Chairman and CEO. "We know customers for this product will demand high performance. We also know that we need to be extremely good at fuel efficiency and emissions control in order to succeed in this market. Cummins will use its technology leadership to meet all of those criteria, while providing the driving public with an exciting new diesel engine alternative for the popular Dodge Ram series."

Industry-first RamBox Takes Pickup Storage to New Lengths ... and Depths

Ten cases.

Two hundred forty 12-ounce cans. That's just one example of what will fit into the all-new 2009 Dodge Ram's industry-first new RamBox cargo bins.

"In addition to stocking the all-new Dodge Ram with your favorite beverages, RamBox provides secure storage options for tradesmen, craftsmen, sportsmen, fitness buffs and outdoorsmen," said Scott Kunselman, Vice President - Body-on-Frame Product Team, Chrysler LLC. "RamBox can store golf clubs, fishing rods, sports gear, toolboxes and much, much more."

RamBox is a unique, segment-exclusive cargo management system that includes four key elements:
• Two weatherproof, lockable, drainable, lighted storage bins that run the length of the 5-foot-7-inch pickup bed, and are as wide as the wheel well, creating a total of 8.6 cubic feet of space;
• Configurable bed dividers;
• An adjustable bed extender that fits on the lowered tailgate that adds 2 feet of additional length to secure loads up to 7 feet long;
• And a cargo rail system with sliding, adjustable cleats for tie-down versatility

"RamBox meets the number-one unmet need among pickup truck owners," said Mark Allen, Chief Designer - Jeep^®/Truck Design Studio. "Truck buyers want dry, lockable storage, and Rambox not only meets that need, it takes it a step further with the addition of built-in lights and drains. And there's still enough room between each bin to lay a sheet of plywood flat in the pickup bed."

The idea for RamBox was hatched at the initial stages of research for the all-new 2009 Dodge Ram. Engineers and designers had market research that told them that dry, lockable storage was critical to light-duty pickup owners who used their trucks for a variety of lifestyle activities.

"We challenged ourselves to mine additional storage space in the Dodge Ram," said Allen. "We knew it would have to be integrated into the pickup bed, and it had to be serviceable for all the uses that pickup truck owners would put it through."

Dodge designers and engineers began with the simple premise that additional storage shouldn't look like an afterthought, and it had to be sized to keep enough width in the pickup bed for a standard sheet of plywood. The team went through more than a dozen different designs before RamBox emerged.

The execution is simple.

RamBox side bins create storage along each side of the pickup bed space previously left untouched because of wheel-well intrusion. RamBox bins fit the length of the pickup bed and incorporate the space over each wheel well to secure cargo within a lit, lockable and drainable container. Lids include swing hinges with intermediate and full-open positions that lift the lid 90 degrees perpendicular to each side.

RamBox also functions as a cargo management system. Side bins are large enough to hold items including a set of golf clubs, helmets, toolboxes, kayak paddles, fishing rods, chainsaws - or 12-ounce cans with ice. Bed dividers create individual compartments in the pickup bed to separate payload items such as tools or equipment. The bed extender creates an additional 2 feet of length to the pickup bed and secures loads up to 7 feet long. And, the cargo rail system uses sliding cleats for infinitely adjustable tie-down capability.

"All of our research indicated that new customers are buying a truck for the first time not only because it's cool and capable, but also because it gives them a place to put all their stuff," said Kunselman. "The RamBox storage system is Dodge's response to that need."

RamBox will be available as an option on all 2009 Dodge Ram Crew 1500 models.