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Chrysler Will Spin Off Dodge Ram as Its Own Brand

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The Ram stands alone. Apparently. Inside Line has learned the Chrysler-Fiat plans to spin off the Dodge Ram as its own brand, with a line of Ram-badged pickups, SUVs and vans.

We've also learned that the Dodge brand will be discontinued in Europe, where it has never really gained a foothold. Probably this is because its success largely hinged on Dodge's ability to sell the Caliber hatchback. As you can imagine, that hasn't worked out well at all.

Inside Line News: Ram Nameplate Will Become a Full Brand

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11 Comments

rsholland says:

06:42 AM, 09/24/09

I heard rumors a while ago that this might happen. If this happens, it will allow Chrysler to drop the Dodge car line, yet keep the trucks, if things don't pan out for the cars.

iskch says:

08:46 AM, 09/24/09

Agree. With the RAM brand will be a lot easier.

brn says:

09:09 AM, 09/24/09

I give it four years before they start making RAM cars.

billt9 says:

10:34 AM, 09/24/09

The Caliber in Europe. huh, huh. Definitely a Beavis & Butt-Head idea.

altimadude00 says:

03:34 PM, 09/24/09

Didn't they already do a line of trucks with the Ram name? The little Mitsubishi-based truck, the full-sized truck, and the Ramvan?

playdrv4me says:

04:09 PM, 09/24/09

@altimadude,

Yes, however it was still the "Dodge" Ram Van etc. I'm imagining what they plan to do here is make "Ram Truck" the brand, and then identify the full size pickups by cargo capacity trim such as "1500", "2500" etc. I think what they're ultimately gunning for is a GMC like strategy, without the duplication GM has in the Chevrolet brand, of course.

altimadude00 says:

05:15 PM, 09/24/09

Ah, ok. Thanks for clearing that up for me.

estreka says:

06:16 PM, 09/24/09

I think this is actually a good idea. This is precisely what GM should have done with GMC.

efinils2 says:

08:02 PM, 09/24/09

RAM cars?? nah, I bet they will be tempted by that often misinterpreted concept of "coupe like lines, but with four doors" and then name it something like RAM Crosstour Sport.

rvictor says:

12:19 AM, 09/25/09

I don't know where they are going with this. I know the Ram is one of the best trucks out there, but won't it be more expensive to do it this way? The Big Three are already are pushing out the abortion like Toyota Tundra and Nissan Titan, totally out of the market place. They should just give up already.
I would keep the same marketing in place. That is unless, Dodge is gunning for more market share from Ford in the 3/4 and 1 ton commercial series.

nissanfanatic says:

04:53 AM, 09/25/09

I hope this doesnt go as bad as the Eagle brand did. Even though the Talon didnt do so bad, all of it ended up being a flop.

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