Ram Could Replace Jeep As The Face Of Stellantis In America

The Pickup Brand Is Eyeing The Throne

Stellantis has 14 automotive brands, but in the U.S., Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram are the names that matter most. Although Fiat has been Stellantis' top-selling brand globally, Jeep remains its sales leader in the U.S. That could change, however, as Automotive News reports that Ram could take the crown by the end of the decade.

It's not hard to see why. Since Dodge and Ram split in 2009, Ram has focused heavily on pickup trucks, one of the most lucrative segments in the U.S. That is clear from the continued success of models like the Ford F-150 and Chevrolet Silverado, two of the country's best-selling vehicles. But Ram won't rely solely on the 1500 to challenge those full-size rivals, as the company is preparing to expand its lineup with several new models.

Filling The Gaps In The Garage

Ram will challenge the likes of the Toyota Tacoma and Ford Ranger with the Dakota, a midsize pickup expected to be priced around $40,000. The automaker will go even smaller with the Rampage, though unlike its larger siblings, which ride on ladder-frame chassis, this model uses a unibody platform. That makes the Rampage more of a lifestyle truck, putting it closer to the Ford Maverick. Hyundai also competes in that space with the Santa Cruz, but reports suggest the Korean marque may exit that niche.

Given that these trucks compete in different segments, the new additions are not expected to cannibalize sales of the 1500. According to the report, Ram is targeting 825,000 North American sales by 2030, a figure that would represent a 60% increase over last year and put the brand about 85,000 units ahead of Jeep. Both Ram and Jeep are reportedly receiving much of the attention and investment in Stellantis' plan.

Ram May Be Expanding Just In Time

In addition to its truck lineup, Ram is reportedly entering the SUV market with a full-size model expected to use the same basic platform as the Jeep Grand Wagoneer.

Regardless of whether Ram becomes the face of Stellantis in the U.S., the brand's expansion feels more urgent than ever. More automakers are showing interest in the truck market, including Mitsubishi, which is developing a pickup for North America in collaboration with Nissan.

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