Our love affair for utes has created a ready market for full-size pick-ups from the US. Little wonder the most affordable of them, the Ram 1500 Express, is a slam dunk.
The 2019 Ram 1500 Rebel is more than just an improved off-road: It's a better pickup overall, with greater refinement and performance.
'Eats utes for breakfast', they say. But does it have the appetite to tow one?
The RAM 1500 is the latest addition to the ASV stable in Australia, and priced to start from under 80k drive-away, it promises to appeal to cashed-up ute buyers.
The big (or 'small' if you're in the US) and badass 2019 Ram 1500 can be had with a very handy feature: the RAMBOX. It ain't a cheap upgrade, but it really makes the most of the space available to the side of the tub by creating a locked and secure space for tools, special equipment, or a few ice-chilled cans for the weekend getaway...
If you’re looking to tow something big and heavy, like a big caravan, horse float or boat long distances, you’ll appreciate the effortless nature of this Ram 1500, and be happy to pay for the extra fuel it uses compared to a smaller diesel.
Ram Trucks officially launched in Australia in November 2015 under new distributor American Special Vehicles, a joint venture between Ateco Automotive and Walkinshaw Automotive. As announced at launch, 2016 will see the company re-engineer Ram trucks to factory standards in Melbourne at a new assembly line belonging to the Walkinshaw Automotive Group...
The Ram pick-up from the USA has passed a major milestone in Australia, with the 5000th example converted to right-hand drive locally in less than four years. Demand for the Ram 1500 – and its bigger Ram 2500 and 3500 siblings – is so strong the Melbourne facility that remanufactures the trucks to right-hand drive has been operating 24 hours a day since the 1500th example was made in middle of 2019 (pictured below)...
American Special Vehicles (ASV) has issued a recall for the 2019 model-year Ram 1500 and 2500 pickup lines over concerns of brake failure. The local conversion firm says "on some MY19 RAM 1500 and 2500 vehicles the master cylinder pushrod clip is not secured correctly"...
Queensland's Maracoonda Automotive has issued a recall for converted Dodge Ram utes sold between 2004 and 2010 as part of the ongoing Takata airbag campaign. As with all Takata notices, a combination of high temperatures and humidity can cause airbag inflator propellant to degrade over time...
Ram could update its long-serving DS 1500 to extend its life as a cheaper, simpler foil to the high-tech fifth-generation currently on sale in the USA. Speaking at Fiat Chrysler's earnings call, FCA CEO Mike Manley said minor updates could be in store for the 1500 Classic (as it's known) to keep it relevant in the crowded North American pickup market...
