Ram launches commercial truck unit, plans to add Fiat-based large van

Editor's note: An earlier version of this story incorrectly identified the Ford van that will compete with the Ram Truck brand's forthcoming commercial van.  

DETROIT -- Ram has formed a commercial truck division and confirmed plans today to introduce a large van based on the Fiat Ducato in the third quarter of 2013.

The 2014 Ram ProMaster will be redesigned and tailored for North American commercial truck and van users, Chrysler Group said. It will compete with other full-sized vans such as Mercedes-Benz' Sprinter line and Ford Motor Co.'s Transit.

The Ram Commercial division will offer sales, marketing, product development and customer support, Chrysler said in a statement.

The division also will offer incentives to cut the cost of commercial upfits, the company said.

The only van in the Ram lineup is the Ram C/V minivan, which is based on the Dodge Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country.

Commercial truck sales represent about one quarter of industry light-vehicle sales, and Chrysler said the rebound in 2012 sales and economic outlook made it an ideal time to form a commercial unit.

"Ram Truck is committed to delivering the best value proposition with low total cost of ownership across the entire product lineup," Ram brand chief Fred Diaz said in a statement. "As the Ram Truck Brand continues to gain share and grow sales in the retail truck market, we will be just as aggressive in our goal to be a commercial truck market leader."

The Ram ProMaster will debut at an auto show next year, a Chrysler spokesman said, declining to identify the show.