Ram made a change earlier this year, swapping the “Ram Commercial” moniker in favor of the new “Ram Professional” namesake. But if it's for the same division of Ram, then why make the change? According to company executives, there's more going on here-this name change signifies a shift in what the company is capable of and what customers can expect.
“The announcement made back in early March is much more than just a name change. It really signifies a commitment to the commercial sector in the market in ensuring that we are suitable for all of our customers within,” said Ken Kayser, vice president of North America commercial vehicle operations for the Ram Brand. In addition to listening to its customers, Kayser tells us that Ram carefully watched industry volume projections and more to formulate current and future strategies.
“Our customers were routinely asking more from us. They were asking for more vehicle choices with greater technology, improved powertrain offerings, ensuring that we were still capable but efficient for new safety features and more services,” Kayser said. “It was all about being a better partner. We really focused heavily in the past on just providing the customer with the vehicle, and the customer was asking us to go beyond that. And so Ram Professional allows us to be able to do that, to maintain loyal customers, and gain new customers again with the incredible trucks that they've come to love and depend on for many years.”
Names aren't the only thing changing in the fleet world-it’s no secret that regulations are shifting toward a more environmentally friendly trucking industry. Are the demands of Ram’s cab and chassis customers following suit, or leaning more toward performance needs than sustainability goals, for the time being?
“Buyers of these trucks depend on their vehicle for their livelihood day in and day out, and the performance characteristics of these trucks is paramount. So we know the customers in this segment demand a great deal from their trucks,” said Kayser. “Payload and towing are the key product attributes that customers are looking for when shopping for these vehicles. Today, the segment is between 60 and 75% diesel for those exact reasons, and it has been for decades.”
Kayser explained that Ram Professional will continue to monitor the segment and listen to customers about alternative powertrain offerings and solutions. However, he stressed that no matter what sustainability offerings the company introduces, performance will remain key.
“Within Stellantis we are focused on improving sustainability and doing the right things for generations to come. With that said, performance will always be our priority when we are designing and engineering our trucks for the future,” continued Kayser. “From the chassis cab segment, we are having a number of conversations with big partners from the fleet and commercial side in terms of what their interests are from a sustainability standpoint and what technologies could we deploy beyond the tried and true diesel powertrain offering that ensures that we meet their capability expectations.”
There a lot of other developments that we cover in this episode of Medium-Duty at Large. Kayser also speaks on the applications Ram believes best suit the new Ram ProMaster EV. Plus, we ask for insider information on the new Ram 1500 REV truck, which boasts a 500 mile range. Watch the episode now to get the details.
Негізгі бет Medium-Duty at Large | Ram 'Professional' changes more than its name
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