New Ram ProMaster to Start at $28,360

Chrysler says its Ram ProMaster cargo van will retail at a base price of $28,360, putting it close to competitors and considerably less than the Mercedes/Freightliner Sprinter from segment-leader Daimler.

Although the cargo van costs more than the Nissan NV’s $25,420 and Ford E-Series’ $27,325, the price is well below the Sprinter’s $36,290.

The ProMaster van was unveiled at the Chicago Auto Show last month, adding to an intensifying race for auto makers to capture commercial-van buyers. Ford’s Transit debuts in North America this year.

The ProMaster is significant for Chrysler, as it marks the next major collaboration with partner Fiat. The van’s architecture is based on the European Fiat Ducato.

A cutaway version of the ProMaster will retail at $26,030, while a chassis-cab model stickers at $26,530. Chrysler also will offer a 5-year, 100,000-mile (160,934.4-km) warranty to new customers.