Ram Designs New Pickup Truck in France, Production is in China

May 27, 2024 03:12 AM EDT

4X4 TRUCK ON HIGHWAY — (Photo : PEXELS/Abdullah Alsaibaie)

In South America, Stellantis readies to launch the new Ram 1200, expanding its pickup truck range. The model is derived from the Chinese-manufactured Peugeot Landtrek.

Designed in France, Made in China Ram 1200

The Ram 1200, intended for the Mexican and South American markets, has leaked ahead of schedule, providing information about the upcoming midsize pickup. Consumers can choose between a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine and a single- or double-cab configuration.

According to MotorTrend, the impending 2025 Ram 1200, a small unibody truck with the Ram insignia, would bring something new to the truck market in Mexico. Positioned between the Ram 700 and Ram 1500, this model draws inspiration from the Peugeot Landtrek. The production of the Ram 1200 in China will be tailored to suit Latin American standards under Ram Mexico's guidance, as detailed by Autocosmos.

According to CarBuzz, the Ram 1200 will offer both manual and automatic transmissions, each equipped with six gears. The power will be directed to the rear axle in general, while the Laramie editions will feature four-wheel drive. The Tradesman Regular Cab model is expected to handle towing loads of about 6,600 lbs and carry a payload of roughly 2,650 lbs.

It's still unclear if the Ram 1200 will come with the 1.9-liter and 2.2-liter turbodiesel engines, which are well-known for being suitable for commercial use. Numerous safety features, including up to 29 driving assistance, are anticipated by customers.

The 1200 will go on sale in June and cost between MX$444,900 ($26,600) and MX$668,900 ($40,000). It appears improbable that the 1200 would be sold in the US, as it will compete with vehicles like the Nissan Frontier and Toyota Hilux, among others.

Nevertheless, there are plans for the Ram Rampage to be released and anticipations for the Dakota's comeback as a midsize truck from the company.

More on Ram 1200

CarScoops reported that although the Ram 1200's precise measurements are unknown, it is expected to be similar in size to the Fiat Titano, which has a length of 2,099.9 inches (5,331 mm) when it is in a double cab configuration. As a result, it's anticipated that it would resemble popular models like the Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux in size.

CarScoops also stated While the authenticity of the images shared by Auto Cosmos cannot be confirmed, they depict the full range of the Ram 1200, featuring both single-cab and double-cab versions. The design closely resembles the Fiat and Peugeot models, with the exception of the distinct Ram grille.

Specifically, Tradesman trims showcase unpainted plastic bumpers, whereas Bighorn and Laramie variants exhibit body-colored bumpers accented with LED DRLs and chrome-finished grilles.

According to Autoevolution, the 1200 nameplate has a history with the former auto group FCA (Fiat Chrysler Automobiles), which merged with PSA to create Stellantis in January 2021. Previously, this name was used on a Fiat Fullback, a collaborative effort between Fiat and Mitsubishi.

Manufactured in Thailand by Mitsubishi, this pickup truck was sold in the Middle East and Africa from 2016 to 2019. In its current iteration, the 1200 is essentially a rebranded Peugeot Landtreck, set to be produced alongside its French counterpart at the same facility in Shenzen, China.