Who Owns Ram Trucks?
Dodge is a popular American car brand that breeds performance vehicles.
Consistently associated with RAM trucks and the signature ram head emblem, there was some confusion when the company split into subdivisions.
Dodge has been around for so long that many people don’t even realize they aren’t the same model/brand anymore.
If you see a pickup, you call it a Dodge Ram; however, that hasn’t been the case for quite some time!
Who Owns Ram Trucks?
Ram is its own, separately owned entity. Chrysler reformed the Dodge brand and separated minivans and cars under one sector and the trucks (the Dakota and Ram), became known as just RAM trucks. Since 2010, the RAM has become a separate entity from Dodge, as the company wanted to focus its efforts on trucks alone.
To understand how the company and the vehicles have evolved over the years, it’s wise to start with the history of the brand.
Additionally, while there was a split between the names of the automobiles, the company that owns them is the same.
Since this can be confusing, we’ve explained how the company looks today and how they plan to move forward with the Dodge/RAM models.
Dodge Ram History
In 1900, Dodge began as “Dodge Brothers Company.” It is to this day amongst the oldest automotive brands still in business.
The company started making its first car around 1914 and entering into the truck market in 1917.
The infamous ram ornament on the hood came to be in 1932.
In 1928, Chrysler purchased the company but kept the brand’s identity intact.
In 1981, the first Dodge Ram appeared.
It was a full-size pickup truck for light-duty tasks. At this time, there was also the Dodge Ram Van and the Dodge Ramcharger.
Chrysler shifted from domestic ownership to foreign ownership.
The umbrella company to Mercedes-Benz, Daimler-Benz AG, purchased control of the American auto company.
The results were the DaimlerChrysler AG.
The Chrysler brand was released to a private equity company in 2007.
In 2009, the Chrysler Group wanted to rebuild the Dodge brand from the ground up.
Fiat gained control of the Chrysler company in 2009, and all assets were under their ownership by 2014.
This final merger birthed Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, which agreed to retain the famous Dodge brand and expand and separate divisions.
Since the 2010 model year, RAM has been a separate part of the same company that focuses solely on trucks.
If you’re looking at a used truck that comes from an earlier model year, it’s a Dodge Ram.
Why Did Dodge Sell Ram?
The competition was the reason that Dodge Ram split into separate entities.
This allowed them to build new vehicles that could compete with brands like the Chevy Corvette and the Jeep Wrangler.
The split gave way to successful models such as the Dodge Charger and Challenger muscle cars, the Durango SUV, and more.
Are RAM and Dodge the Same Thing?
There has not been a Dodge Ram truck produced since the year 2008.
Each branch got separated into a unique division in 2009, and RAM now uses distinct capital letters to distinguish itself from the previous RAM label.
However, it is grammatically incorrect, as all capital letters indicate an acronym, such as BMW, FCA, and so on.
FCA or Fiat Chrysler Automobiles Group still manufactures both vehicle models.
So, in this case, Dodge and RAM share a parent company, but they are different entities that make specific types of automobiles.
Each branch has a distinct type of car that they make, which we’ll explain below.
Dodge vs. RAM
Though owners may have distinct memories of Dodge and RAM as one, they each have a different style that they adhere to.
Dodge makes vehicles that are centered around performance and style.
Their target audience is those that want a bit of thrill in their day-to-day life.
Dodge vehicles are packed with powerful and robust engines, with top-rated horsepower for every model.
The most popular cars in the Dodge lineup are the Challenger, the Durango, the Grand Caravan, the Charger, the Demon, and the Journey.
On the other hand, RAM specializes in luxurious trucks that come with the best features and the highest capabilities.
So think of it as the difference between muscle performance and high-end pickup trucks and other commercialized heavy-duty vehicles.
Who Makes RAM Trucks?
RAM vehicles are made in four different facilities, two in North America, one in South America, and one in Europe.
Opening in 1938, the Warren Truck Assembly is located in Warren, Michigan.
The facility has manufactured trucks for Dodge and RAM for over 70 years.
The following models are currently assembled at the plant: The RAM 1500 series, double cab models, and all crew cabs get assembled here for the global market, except for the Ram 1500 Laramie.
The RAM 1500 Laramie is produced at both the RAM’s Saltillo Assembly and the Warren facility for the Mexican market in particular.
The Saltillo Truck Assembly, Saltillo, Mexico, manufactures the full lineup of the RAM truck series, including the ProMaster van and the DX Chassis cab.
The plant is certified, receiving many awards, and has been Chrysler’s best truck plant regarding build quality.
The following models get produced at this facility:
- The RAM 1500 and all regular cab models with varying trim levels; the RAM 1500 Laramie is also for the Mexican market
- All RAM 2500 models with varying cab type, bed length, and trim levels
- All models of the RAM 3500 with varying cab types, bed lengths, and trim levels
- Every model of the RAM 4500, including various bed lengths, cab types, and trim levels
- Every model of the RAM 5500, including different cab types, trim levels, and bed lengths
- The DX Chassis Cab is for Canadian and Mexican markets only.
- The RAM ProMaster
All of these models get sold worldwide and have not been affected by the split between Dodge and RAM.
Is the New Company Improving RAM Trucks?
Vast amounts of money were invested into the RAM truck lineup by the new owner, FCA.
It invested $1.5 billion into the Sterling Assembly Plant in Michigan to build the next-generation RAM 1500 pickup.
Moreover, the company added over $1billion to improve and expand the RAM Heavy Duty Truck Assembly Plant.
As you can imagine, these massive investments will ensure that the plants in North America remain preeminent for building RAM trucks worldwide.
Advantages of the Split
The primary advantage of separating was to give each brand room to grow and expand by concentrating in a particular area.
Each brand was given the freedom to introduce new high-performing cars to the auto market.
Additionally, the respective manufacturing facilities could dedicate themselves to development and research for new models.
Immediately after the split, Dodge started working on sedans and mutant cars to compete with vehicles made by Chevrolet and Jeep.
One of the more notable creations from this tone is the Dodge Challenger SRT Demon.
RAM started using their resources and talent to test and create utilitarian pickup trucks that were powerful.
The RAM 3500 is amongst the most popular in their portfolio.
It’s a more lucrative venture for the FCA group, but it’s also beneficial to the customers that can enjoy quality cars from either brand.