AUBURN HILLS, MI – Newly minted Ram President and CEO Reid Bigland confirms a second commercial van based on the Fiat Doblo is joining the truck brand’s lineup.
“In 18-24 months,” Bigland tells reporters here at the auto maker’s headquarters about launch timing for the Ram van, which he does not name.
The smaller model replaces the outgoing Cargo Van, which is produced alongside the Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country at the Windsor, ON, Canada, assembly plant. Speculation about the future of each of the three vans was raised after CEO Sergio Marchionne announced a plan for one minivan for the entire Chrysler group.
The Doblo-based van is expected to compete with the Ford Transit Connect. Bigland gives no hint about powertrain or other specifics.
The ProMaster van launches with gasoline and diesel variants. It is not known whether the small van will offer one or both. Both vans will be marketed as part of Chrysler’s Ram Commercial spin-off, which targets business and fleet customers.
Bigland, the former head of the Dodge brand, takes the reins at Ram during a busy year for product launches. In addition to the ProMaster van slated for a third-quarter release, a diesel-powered 1500 pickup also joins the ranks later this year.
He replaces Fred Diaz, who exited the company earlier this year to take an executive sales position at Nissan.
