Ram pickup facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ram pickup |
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A 2017 Ram 1500 Express truck
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| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Ram Trucks (part of Stellantis North America) |
| Production | 1980–present |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Full-size pickup truck |
| Layout | Front-engine, rear-wheel drive / four-wheel drive |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Dodge D series |
The Ram pickup is a big, strong truck made by Stellantis North America. Before 2010, these trucks were called the Dodge Ram. Since then, they've been sold under their own brand, Ram Trucks. The newest version, called the fifth-generation Ram, was first shown in January 2018.
The name "Ram" was first used for Dodge trucks in 1981, but a ram's-head (a male sheep's head) ornament was on some trucks as early as 1933! Ram trucks have won the "Truck of the Year" award from Motor Trend magazine eight times. The newest Ram pickup even won it three times in a row: in 2019, 2020, and 2021!
First Generation (1981-1993)
| First generation: Dodge Ram | |
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A 1989 Dodge Ram D100
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| Overview | |
| Production | October 1980–July 1993 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 2-door pickup truck 2-door extended cab pickup truck 4-door crew cab pickup truck |
| Platform | Chrysler AD platform |
| Related | Dodge Ramcharger |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 225 cu in (3.7 L) slant-6 I6 239 cu in (3.9 L) LA V6 318 cu in (5.2 L) LA V8 360 cu in (5.9 L) LA V8 5.9 L (360 cu in) Cummins diesel I6 |
| Transmission | 3- or 4-speed Torqueflite automatic 4- or 5-speed manual |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | Regular cab/6.5' bed: 115 in (2,921 mm) Regular cab/8' bed: 131 in (3,327 mm) Club Cab/6.5' bed: 133 in (3,378 mm) Club Cab/8' bed: 149 in (3,785 mm) Crew cab/8' bed: 165 in (4,191 mm) |
| Length | 190.8 in (4,846 mm) 210.8 in (5,354 mm) |
| Width | 79.5 in (2,019 mm) |
| Height | 76 in (1,930 mm) 73 in (1,854 mm) |
The first Dodge Ram trucks came out in October 1980. They had a ram hood ornament, which was a nod to older Dodge vehicles. These trucks kept the old names: "D" for two-wheel drive and "W" for four-wheel drive. Like other truck makers, Dodge used numbers to show how much weight a truck could carry: 150 for a half-ton, 250 for a three-quarter-ton, and 350 for a one-ton truck.
You could get these trucks with a regular cab, an extended "club" cab, or a crew cab (which has four doors). They also came with different bed lengths. The outside of these first-generation Rams looked a lot like the Dodge D-Series trucks from 1972, but they had new tail lights, dual headlights, and straighter body lines.
Inside, the trucks got a new look with a different dashboard and instrument panel. Over the years, some changes were made. For example, the "Club Cab" was removed in 1982 but brought back in 1990. The four-door crew cab was also stopped after 1985.
In 1988, the old slant-6 engine was replaced with a newer, fuel-injected V6 engine. The V8 engines also got electronic fuel injection. These changes helped the trucks run better. Later, in 1989, anti-lock brakes were added to the rear wheels.
Even with these updates, these Ram trucks didn't sell as well as trucks from Ford or GM. This was partly because their design was getting old, and they didn't have a strong diesel engine option until 1989.
Engines and Transmissions
In 1989, the 5.9 L V8 engine got an upgrade, giving it more power. Dodge also added a new automatic transmission that helped save fuel.
For 1991, the front grille was redesigned. In 1992, the engines got a big upgrade with new fuel injection and cylinder heads, making them much more powerful. These improved engines were called "Magnum" engines.
5.9 Cummins Diesel Engine
A special Cummins diesel engine was added in 1989. This was a big deal because it helped Dodge's sales go up! This diesel engine was different from others because it used "direct injection" and was turbocharged, making it very strong for heavy work. It was available in the 250 and 350 pickup models.
Second Generation (1994-2002)
| Second generation: Dodge Ram | |
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A 1997-2001 Dodge Ram 1500 Club Cab
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| Overview | |
| Production | July 1993 - July 2001 (Ram 1500) July 1993–July 2002 (Ram 2500 and 3500) |
| Assembly | Warren, Michigan St. Louis, Missouri Saltillo, Mexico Lago Alberto Assembly, Mexico City |
| Designer | Phillip E. Payne (1989) |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 2-door regular cab 2-door Club Cab 4-door Quad Cab |
| Related | Dodge Ramcharger (Mexico) |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 3.9 L Magnum V6 5.2 L Magnum V8 5.9 L Magnum V8 5.9 L Cummins turbo-diesel I6 8.0 L Magnum V10 |
| Transmission | 4-speed 42RH-RE automatic 4-speed 46RH-RE automatic 4-speed 47RH-RE automatic 5-speed NV3500 manual 5-speed NV4500 manual 6-speed NV5600 manual |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 118.7 in (3,015 mm) (2-door, short bed) 134.7 in (3,421 mm) (2-door, long bed) 154.7 in (3,929 mm) |
| Length | 204.1 in (5,184 mm) 224.2 in (5,695 mm) 244.1 in (6,200 mm) |
| Width | 79.3 in (2,014 mm) 93.5 in (2,375 mm) (Towing mirrors) |
| Height | 72.2 in (1,834 mm) |
The second-generation Dodge Ram was designed to look tough, like a big semi-trailer truck. It had a large grille that was a bit risky at first, but people really liked it! This new design helped sales skyrocket. The redesigned 1994 Ram was a huge hit and was even named "Truck of the Year" by Motor Trend. Sales jumped from about 95,000 trucks in 1993 to over 400,000 by 1995!
These trucks came with the same engines as the first generation, plus a powerful new 8.0 L V10 engine. This V10 was a great choice for people who needed strong pulling power but didn't want a diesel engine. You could get these trucks in different sizes: 1500 (half-ton), 2500 (three-quarter-ton), and 3500 (one-ton, with dual rear wheels).
The inside of the truck was designed with lots of storage space, like a big glovebox and a storage area in the center armrest.
1998 Updates
In 1998, Dodge added the 4-door Quad Cab, which had smaller doors that opened backward, right behind the main doors. This was one of the first extended cab pickups to have four doors! Other updates included new side mirrors, dual airbags for safety, and a digital odometer.
Later, in 1999, the "Sport" models got a new front look with clear-lens headlights. For the 2001 model year, a 6-speed manual transmission became an option for diesel models.
The 2000 models offered heated leather seats and improved front brakes. There was also an "Offroad Edition" package that gave the truck a 2-inch lift, special wheels, and skid plates for protection when driving off-road.
Third Generation (2002-2009)
| Third generation: Dodge Ram | |
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A Dodge Ram 1500 Regular Cab
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| Overview | |
| Production | July 24, 2001–2008 (1500) August 2002 –2009 (2500 & 3500) |
| Designer | Cliff Wilkins (1998) |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 2-door regular cab 4-door Quad Cab 4-door Mega Cab |
| Related | Sterling Bullet |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 3.7 L Magnum V6 4.7 L Magnum V8 5.7 L Hemi V8 5.9 L Magnum V8 5.9 L Cummins diesel I6 6.7 L Cummins diesel I6 8.0 L Magnum V10 8.3 L Viper V10 |
| Transmission | 4-speed 42RLE automatic 4-speed 45RFE automatic 4-speed 48RE automatic 5-speed 545RFE automatic 6-speed 68RFE automatic 6-speed AS68RC 6-speed NV5600 manual 5-speed NV4500 manual 6-speed G56 manual 6-speed Getrag 238 manual |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 120.5 in (3,061 mm) 140.5 in (3,569 mm) 160.5 in (4,077 mm) |
| Length | 295.1 in (7,496 mm) 283.1 in (7,191 mm) 279.1 in (7,089 mm) 259.1 in (6,581 mm) 255.1 in (6,480 mm) 235.1 in (5,972 mm) 207.7 in (5,276 mm) 229.7 in (5,834 mm) 249.7 in (6,342 mm) |
| Width | 79.5 in (2,019 mm) 96 in (2,438 mm) (Towing mirrors) |
| Height | 75.7-80.8 in (1923–2052 mm) |
The third-generation Dodge Ram was a big change, with a completely new frame, suspension, engines, and interior. It came out in 2002 for the 1500 models and 2003 for the heavier 2500 and 3500 models. The 1500 series trucks got a new independent front suspension for a smoother ride, while the 2500 and 3500 models kept their strong solid axles for heavy-duty work.
These new trucks helped sales grow even more, reaching almost 450,000 trucks sold in 2002-2003!
2006 Facelift
The Ram trucks got a fresh look in 2006. A cool new option was the "Mega Cab," which had a huge amount of space inside the cab, letting six people sit comfortably with reclining back seats! Other new features included a navigation system, Bluetooth for phones, and a DVD entertainment system for the back seats. The super-fast Dodge Ram SRT-10 model, which had a powerful 8.3 L V10 engine from the Dodge Viper, was stopped after 2006.
Chassis Cab Models
In 2007, Dodge introduced "Chassis Cab" models for the 3500, 4500, and 5500 trucks. These trucks came without a regular bed, allowing businesses to add special equipment like dump beds or utility bodies. They were built to be very strong for tough jobs.
Special Editions
- Dodge Ram SRT-10 - This was a super-fast truck with the powerful 8.3 L V10 engine from the Dodge Viper. It had big 22-inch wheels, a lowered suspension, and a spoiler. In 2004, it set a Guinness World Record for the "World's Fastest Production Pickup Truck," reaching 154.587 mph (247.3 km/h)!
- Power Wagon - Introduced in 2005, this Ram was built for off-road adventures. It came with the powerful Hemi engine, electronic locking differentials (which help wheels get traction on tricky surfaces), a disconnecting front sway bar for better off-road movement, and a 12,000-pound winch to pull things.
- Rumble Bee - This was a special sport-truck version of the Ram, available only as a regular cab with a short bed. It had unique body parts, 20-inch wheels, a hood scoop, and a special yellow and black design with a "Rumble Bee" emblem, like the old Dodge Super Bee cars.
- Daytona - This sport-truck edition, introduced in 2005, had a 5.7 L Hemi V8 engine. It featured 20-inch chrome wheels, a special hood, dual exhaust, and a tall rear spoiler that looked like the one on the classic 1969 Dodge Charger Daytona race car.
Fourth Generation (2009-Present)
| Fourth generation: Ram/Dodge Ram | |
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A 2019 Ram 1500 Classic Crew Cab
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| Overview | |
| Also called | Dodge Ram 1500 (2009-2010) Ram 1500 (2011–2018) Ram 1500 Classic (2019–present) Dodge Ram 2500/3500 (2010) Ram 2500/3500 (2011-2018) Ram 4000 (Mexico, chassis cab) Dodge Ram (South America) ASV Ram (Australia) |
| Production | September 12, 2008-present |
| Model years | 2009–present |
| Assembly | Warren, Michigan (Warren Truck Assembly) Saltillo, Mexico (Saltillo Truck Assembly) Clayton, Victoria, Australia (FCA Australia) |
| Designer | Ryan Nagode, Scott Krugger (2006) |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 2-door regular cab 4-door Quad Cab (1500-only) 4-door crew cab 4-door Mega Cab (HD-only) |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 3.7 L (226 cu in) PowerTech V6 3.6 L (220 cu in) Chrysler Pentastar V6 4.7 L (287 cu in) V8 3.0 L (183 cu in) Eco-Diesel V6 5.7 L (345 cu in) HEMI V8 6.4 L (392 cu in) HEMI V8 6.7 L (408 cu in) Cummins Turbo-Diesel I6 |
| Transmission | 4-speed 45RFE automatic 5-speed 545RFE automatic 6-speed 66RFE automatic 6-speed 68RFE automatic 6-speed G56 manual 8-speed 845RE automatic (2013–) 8-speed ZF 8HP75-LCV automatic (2019 –) 6-speed Aisin AS68RC automatic |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 4500/5500 Crew Cab MWB: 197.2 in (5,010 mm) 4500/5500 Regular Cab Ext. LWB: 204.3 in (5,190 mm) 4500/5500 Regular Cab LWB: 192.3 in (4,880 mm) Reg. Cab Short Bed: 120 in (3048 mm) Reg. Cab Long Bed & Quad Cab: 140 in (3556 mm) 2WD 2500 Crew Cab SWB: 149.4 in (3,790 mm) 4WD 2500 Crew Cab SWB: 148.9 in (3,780 mm) 2500 Crew Cab LWB 2WD: 169.4 in (4,300 mm) 2500 Crew Cab LWB 4WD: 168.9 in (4,290 mm) Regular Cab 2500 : 140.5 in (3,570 mm) 3500 Regular Chassis Cab: 143.4 in (3,640 mm) 3500 Regular Cab LWB: 167.4 in (4,250 mm) 3500 Crew Cab: 172.3 in (4,380 mm) 4500 & 5500 Regular Cab LWB: 144.3 in (3,670 mm) 4500/5500 Regular Cab MWB: 168.3 in (4,270 mm) 4500/5500 Crew Cab SWB: 173.3 in (4,400 mm) |
| Length | 4500/5500 Crew Cab MWB: 287.0 in (7,290 mm) 4500/5500 Crew Cab SWB: 263.0 in (6,680 mm) 4500/5500 Regular Cab Ext. LWB: 294.1 in (7,470 mm) 4500/5500 Regular Cab LWB: 282.1 in (7,170 mm) Crew Cab 3500: 259.4 in (6,590 mm) 2500 LWB Crew Cab: Regular Cab: 209.0 in (5,310 mm) Extended Cab: 226.9 in (5,760 mm) Quad Cab: 229.0 in (5,820 mm) Crew Cab: 227.5 in (5,780 mm) 2500 Crew Cab SWB: 237.4 in (6,030 mm) 2500 Crew Cab LWB: 259.4 in (6,590 mm) Regular Cab 2500: 231.0 in (5,870 mm) 3500 Chassis Cab: 234.1 in (5,950 mm) 3500 Regular Cab LWB: 258.1 in (6,560 mm) 3500 Crew Cab & 4500/5500 Regular Cabs: 263.0 in (6,680 mm) 4500/5500 Regular Cab: 234.1 in (5,950 mm) |
| Width | 2,017 mm (79.4 in) Heavy Duty Crew Cab, 4500, 5500 & 3500: 79.1 in (2,010 mm) Heavy Duty Regular Cab: 78.9 in (2,000 mm) |
| Height | 73.3–80.6 73.3–73.9 (1500 4x2) 74.1–74.8 (1500 4x4) 73.3–73.7 (2500 4x2) 75.7–77.7 (2500 4x4) 78.0–78.8 (3500) 79.8–80.6 in (4500/5500) |
The fourth-generation Dodge Ram was first shown in 2008 and went on sale as the 2009 Dodge Ram 1500. Later, the heavier 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 models were added. In 2010, the Ram trucks became their own brand, separate from Dodge.
Chrysler added many new features to the 2009 Ram, including a new four-door cab style, a new suspension, and a special storage system called the "Rambox." The Rambox lets you securely store items inside the truck's bed walls.
Since 2011, Ram 2500/3500 trucks have offered a "class-exclusive" manual transmission option, meaning other big truck brands like GM and Ford stopped offering manual transmissions in North America.
Cab Options
The Mega Cab option was removed for the 1500 model but was replaced by a true four-door crew cab. The Mega Cab is still available on the heavy-duty models. A cool improvement is that the rear seats can now recline!
Handling and Towing
The 1500 model got a new coil spring five-link rear suspension, which makes the ride smoother. The 2009 Ram 1500 could tow up to 9,100 pounds, but this was later increased to 10,450 pounds!
Heavy Duty Chassis Cabs
Chassis Cab versions were also made for the Ram 3500, 4500, and 5500 models. These trucks are designed for heavy-duty work and can have different types of bodies added to them. They offer powerful Hemi V8 or Cummins turbo diesel engines.
Model Year Changes
2013 Changes
The 1500 models got a small update to their look, with a new front and updated interior. The "DODGE" name was removed from the dashboard and replaced with "RAM."
New engine options were added for 2013. The old 3.7 L V6 was replaced by a 4.7 L V8 as the new standard engine. A new 3.6 L Pentastar V6 engine was also introduced, which was very fuel-efficient. The 5.7 L Hemi V8 engine also got a small power boost.
An Air suspension became an option, allowing the truck to change its ride height. For 2013, the Ram was also the first North American pickup truck to offer keyless ignition.
New infotainment systems were available, including the Uconnect 8.4 with a large touch-screen display, voice control, and satellite radio.
2014 Changes
In 2014, the 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks also got the option of air suspension. The 1500 models added an Eco-Diesel V6 engine option, which was very fuel-efficient. The heavier Ram trucks (2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500) received a new interior design and updated exterior styling.
2016 Changes
The all-new Ram 1500 Rebel was introduced in 2016. This model was designed for off-road driving, with a higher ride height, bigger tires, and a unique interior. It had a special blacked-out grille and front bumper, skid plates, and tow hooks.
2017 Changes
For 2017, some Ram 1500 trims got the new "RAM" front grille and a large "RAM" emblem on the rear tailgate. The 3.0 L EcoDiesel V6 engine was temporarily removed due to some issues but was brought back in early 2018.
New special editions were introduced, like the Lone Star Silver Edition and the Night Edition, which added unique chrome or black accents to the trucks.
2018 Changes
In 2018, Ram trucks got even more technology! All Uconnect 8.4 infotainment systems now included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing you to connect your smartphone easily. They also got a new, easier-to-use design.
Two new special editions were released: the Harvest Edition, designed for farmers, and the Laramie Longhorn Southfork Edition, which added even more luxury features.
2019 Changes
For 2019, the fourth-generation Ram 1500 continued to be made alongside the brand-new fifth-generation model. To tell them apart, the older model was renamed the Ram 1500 Classic. The Ram 1500 Classic still offered a 2-door Regular Cab, which the new fifth-generation model did not.
The heavier Ram 2500, Ram 3500, and Ram 3500/4500/5500 Chassis Cab models were completely redesigned for 2019. They got new frames, updated interiors, and a fresh front look. The 6.4 L Hemi engine became the standard engine, and the powerful 6.7 L Cummins turbo-diesel engine returned with improvements.
2021 Changes
In 2021, the Ram 1500 Classic Warlock trim got an Off-Road Package with all-terrain tires. The base models received a new Infotainment Package with an 8.4-inch touch-screen system, satellite radio, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.
2022 Changes
For 2022, all Ram 1500 Classic models got an optional upgraded Uconnect 5 8.4-inch touch-screen system, which included wired and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
2023 Changes
In 2023, the Regular Cab Short Bed configuration and the Express trim were no longer offered.
Safety
Ram trucks come with important safety features like anti-lock brakes, side curtain airbags, and electronic stability program (ESP) to help you stay in control. In crash tests, the Ram 1500 has generally received good ratings for safety.
Fifth Generation (2019-Present)
| Fifth generation | |
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A 2019 Ram 1500 Laramie
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| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Ram Trucks (part of Stellantis North America) |
| Production | January 2018–present |
| Model years | 2019–present |
| Assembly |
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| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 4-door Quad Cab 4-door crew cab |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 140.5 in (3,569 mm) (Quad Cab) 144.6 in (3,673 mm) (Crew cab/short bed) 153.5 in (3,899 mm) (crew cab/long bed) |
The fifth-generation Ram pickup was first shown in January 2018. Sales for the 2019 Ram 1500 began early in 2018. This new model offered seven different trim levels.
Ram added a new option called "eTorque" to the 2019 Ram 1500. This system uses a special generator and battery to give the engine extra power for a short time and also helps save energy. The 2019 Ram also introduced a huge 12-inch touch-screen display for its Uconnect system, which was the largest in its class!
The 2019 Ram 1500 could carry more weight and tow more than before. It could carry up to 2,300 pounds and tow up to 12,750 pounds when properly set up. Plus, the truck itself was about 225 pounds lighter than the previous generation.
2021 Changes
In 2021, the Ram 1500 gained a "Trailer Reverse Steering Control" option, which makes it easier to back up with a trailer. A "Snow Plow Prep Package" option was also added for those who need to clear snow.
Concept Vehicles
Revolution
The Ram Revolution is Ram's first all-electric concept pickup truck. It's designed to be a strong, all-wheel-drive truck with two electric motors. Ram plans for it to be able to get 100 miles of charge in just 10 minutes at a fast-charging station!
Ram Trucks Around the World
Ram trucks are sold in many countries, including the United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, and parts of Europe and the Middle East. In some countries, like Australia and New Zealand, the trucks are converted to right-hand drive before they are sold, so the steering wheel is on the right side of the car.
Motorsport
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The Ram Pickup trucks have been used in racing, specifically in the NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series. They won the Manufacturer's Championship in 2001, 2003, and 2004. Ram Pickups also won the San Felipe 250 off-road race in 2008 and 2009.
Images for kids
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1983 Dodge Ram D150
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1989 Dodge Ram interior
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1991–1993 Dodge Ram 150, showing facelifted grille
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1991-1993 Dodge Ram 250 Club Cab
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1996 Dodge Ram 1500 side view
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2001 Dodge Ram Regency Package front drivers side
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1996 Dodge Ram 1500 front drivers side
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2009 Dodge Ram 1500 ST Quad Cab
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2009 Dodge Ram 1500 SLT Big Horn Crew Cab
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2011 Ram 3500 Laramie Longhorn
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2011 Ram 1500 regular cab
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2013 Ram 1500
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2013 Ram 1500
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The Ram 1500 pickup PHEV was introduced at the 2011 Washington Auto Show in Washington, DC.
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2014 Ram 1500 Crew Cab in China
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Ram 1500 in China
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Dodge Ram 3500 in Warsaw, Poland
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