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Shorter waiting times for the Ram 1500 are just around the corner as head office in Detroit prepares to send more US pick-ups to Australia.
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The global boss of Ram Trucks has doubled down on the company’s commitment to shorten waiting times in Australia for US pick-ups such as the Ram 1500 and Ram TRX.
Depending on the model, the Ram 1500 has waiting times ranging from three to nine months locally, while the flagship Ram TRX supercharged high-performance pick-up is currently pushed out to two years in Australia, despite its $200,000-plus price tag.
However, Ram USA is planning an allocation boost for Australia to help cut waiting times and maintain sales momentum ahead of the arrival of the Ford F-150 in mid 2023 and Toyota Tundra in late 2023 or early 2024.
Chevrolet – via General Motors Specialty Vehicles (GMSV) – also appears to be ramping up its operations in Australia after moving to a new standalone facility in August 2022, following the recent takeover of GMSV’s previous manufacturing space by Ram Trucks Australia.
Ram Trucks Australia has posted three years in a row of record sales – and has tripled production capacity at its local remanufacturing facility that converts vehicles from left- to right-hand drive, by expanding to three assembly lines under one roof after taking over the space at the Walkinshaw Automotive Group previously occupied by Chevrolet.
In a wide-ranging interview with Drive, the global boss of Ram Trucks, Mike Koval, said the US car giant remains committed to Australia and is preparing for the battle ahead with Chevrolet, Ford and Toyota.
“Outside of North America, Australia is our largest and fastest growing market in the world,” Mr Koval told Drive. “Our relationship with the team in Australia has never been stronger. They have a line right into my desk.
“I can assure you we will do everything we can to help (Ram Trucks Australia) meet the full market potential there.
“I would go as far as to say I will guarantee more cars. That’s how strongly I believe in what the team in Australia has done, how much I appreciate the support behind it, and the growth of our brand and the region.
“What Ram Trucks Australia has done is inspirational. Other markets are paying attention.”
When asked if Ram USA was concerned about increased competition from Chevrolet, Ford and Toyota in Australia in the coming years, Mr Koval said: “We have we have a good pulse on the marketplace. We’re watching it very, very closely. We understand the dynamics. But for now we feel like we have a really good position.”
When asked how long the original DS Ram 1500 “Classic” series would be built alongside the newer DT Ram 1500 series, Mr Koval said: “The bones of that vehicle are still strong, it was a two-time Motor Trend Truck of the Year. It’s still selling well, particularly in international markets. So we’re gonna continue to build it as long as there’s demand.”
As for slashing the waiting times for the flagship Ram TRX supercharged performance pick-up, Mr Koval said: “The current waiting time in North America for that vehicle is four to six months. Since that vehicle launched, dealers have never had inventory. Every car has had a name on it. Every car has been a pre-order.
“We are building as many (Ram TRX pick-ups) as we can. We are at maximum capacity but we want to help our customers in Australia. We can’t go into specific details but we want to help Australia out and get as many customers into their TRX as soon as possible.
“There will still be a wait but we definitely would like to reduce the current waiting times.”
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