New RAM 1500 may go global

As far American pick-up trucks go, the all-new 2019 RAM 1500 makes a powerful statement with two bold new front-end designs, big payload and towing capacities, clever tray compartments and a premium cabin with a massive 12-inch portrait infotainment screen.

The fact it smashes out big horsepower via a 5.7-litre HEMI V8 – now available with mild-hybrid boost -- doesn't hurt its appeal either.

The new RAM 1500 made its global debut at the Detroit motor show and is all but guaranteed to become available in Australia, at least via local right-hand drive (RHD) converters like American Special Vehicles (ASV), a joint-venture between HSV's parent company and Ateco Automotive.

ASV already imports and converts RAM trucks for Aussie buyers, but only in larger 2500 and 3500 HD form, and last year it sold almost 400 of them.

The cheapest RAM 2500, powered exclusively by a Cummins turbo-diesel engine worth an eye-watering 276kW and 1084Nm, starts at just under $140,000 in Australia.

By comparison, the RAM 2500 starts at around $US32,000 in North America.

The local RHD conversion process increases the asking price dramatically, but if the company built the big ute for RHD export markets, things would look a lot rosier for buyers that require something beefier than a Toyota HiLux or Ford Ranger – Australia’s top two selling vehicles.

While those models can carry ‘only’ around a tonne and tow 3500kg, the new RAM 1500 can haul up to 5750kg and the similarly redesigned versions of the larger RAM 2500 and 3500 to follow will be offer even more capability.

Speaking with motoring.com.au at the Detroit motor show, global RAM boss Mike Manley wouldn’t rule out factory RHD production for the 2019 RAM 1500.

"We're working very, very closely with our Australian colleagues to look to see if its viable for us to do that,” he said.

If the US truck-maker did manage to make a business case for the RAM 1500 and export it to Australia and one or two other mature RHD drive markets, it might rival the likes of high-end Ranger and HiLux models at around $60,000.

The old RAM 1500 is being run-out in the US now with prices starting at just $US26,495, before production of the 2019 model begins later this month.

Manley, who has spoken positively before about factory RHD RAM production, said demand from markets like South Africa could help the turn the tide for the lighter, more advanced new RAM.

"Because it's not just Australia you know. [There’s] South Africa as well … some of the mines use right-hand drive too,” he said.

“It's something we continue to look at. We're very closely tied to those guys in those markets.”

Demand for full-size utes continues to grow in Australia, where Performax International and Harrison F-Trucks sell a healthy range of Ford F Series trucks, and where HSV will convert the Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 3500 for sale via Chevy-branded Holden dealers by mid-2018.

Chevrolet debuted its all-new Silverado 1500 alongside the 2019 RAM 1500 in Detroit this week and, although it won’t hit US dealerships until early next year, HSV has indicated it will also be converted and sold here in due course.

However, if factory RHD production does eventuate, the RAM would become the only global full-size pick-up, giving it a significant competitive advantage over its rivals.

Full-size pick-ups have never been more popular in Australia or North America, where the F Series, Silverado and RAM remain the nation’s three top-selling vehicles (and the best-sellers for Ford, GM and Fiat Chrysler respectively), forming the backbone of a hugely lucrative industry.

Demand for RAM trucks is also at an all-time high in the US, where more than 500,000 buyers were found for the first time last year – almost as many as Silverado but not F Series, the market leader for 41 years running.

That creates greater economies of scale for FCA, but tooling up for RHD production would be an expensive undertaking and the sales volume relatively small.

"If it becomes viable, you'll see it," said Manley.