Who Owns Ram Trucks? Dodge, Ram, and Stellantis Explained

You’re looking at a pickup with RAM across the tailgate. Somebody calls it a Dodge, the dealer mentions Stellantis, and suddenly a simple question has three answers. I get why people still say “Dodge Ram.” For years, that’s what the truck was called.

Today, Stellantis owns Ram. Dodge and Ram are separate brands under that same company. If that’s all you needed to settle an argument at lunch, there you go. If you’re shopping for a truck, the name change is worth understanding because it affects what you’ll see in listings and paperwork.

So when did Dodge Ram become Ram?

Ram became a stand-alone truck brand in 2009. Stellantis’ own brand history gives that year. The trucks stayed inside the same corporate family and got a brand of their own, while Dodge carried on as a separate name.

That is why an older truck can quite reasonably be called a Dodge Ram, while a newer one is sold as a Ram. People don’t always update the words they use when a badge changes. A seller saying “Dodge Ram” tells you very little about the truck’s condition, or even its exact model year. Check the title and VIN.

Where does Stellantis fit in?

Ram was one of the brands held by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, usually shortened to FCA. FCA merged with Groupe PSA in January 2021, and the combined automaker took the Stellantis name. Stellantis now lists Ram and Dodge separately in its brand directory.

Think of it as a family tree. Stellantis is at the top. Ram is the truck brand. Dodge is a sibling brand.

The old Dodge Ram name explains the family resemblance, but Ram is the name to use when you’re looking up a current truck.

Does the owner matter when you’re buying one?

It settles the badge question. The money question is about the individual truck. Two Ram 1500s can have very different engines, options, mileage, maintenance records, and asking prices. A 2500 or 3500 raises another set of payload and towing questions.

If you sent me a listing and asked, “Is this a good Ram?” I would start with the VIN, service history, configuration, and a proper inspection. Then we can talk price. Knowing who owns the brand gets us oriented. The individual truck still has to make its case.

Sources

• Stellantis, Ram Trucks brand page and current lineup, checked November 9, 2026.
• Stellantis, current brand directory listing Ram and Dodge separately, checked November 9, 2026.
• Stellantis, brand overview with Ram’s 2009 stand-alone launch, checked November 9, 2026.
• Stellantis, January 16, 2021 FCA and Groupe PSA merger completion, checked November 9, 2026.