DETROIT -- Fiat Chrysler will build the current version of the Ram light-duty pickup well into 2019, even after it launches a redesigned Ram 1500 in early 2018, Automotive News has learned.
The added volume could allow FCA to make a low-cost play for added fleet business with the retiring pickups, while appealing to retail customers with the added features and technology due on the new trucks. It would also ensure that dealers have ample supplies of hot-selling pickups.
"Going into 2018, having more pickup capacity will allow us also to satisfy the fleet customers' demand on pickup, which we struggle to do today because we favor retail in the U.S. and Canadian volume, which have higher margins," CFO Richard Palmer said last week during a conference call. "As we realign our capacity, we're going to be able to continue to work on improving our fleet mix."