RAM expands operations in Australia until 2023 | Biden News

Full-size American pickups are here to stay, and to meet the growing demand, RAM is expanding its local operations.

RAM full-size trucks are imported from the US by Ateco Group and converted for right-hand drive in Melbourne by Walkinshaw Automotive.

The plant used to be able to convert 10,000 vehicles every year, now that figure has doubled to 20,000 a year.

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The factory itself now occupies 16,025 square meters, where the light RAM 1500 models are converted on a separate line to the heavy-duty 2500 and 3500 models with diesel engines.

The size of the enterprise has not only increased, but the staff has also increased 641 employees making RAM Australia’s largest car manufacturer.

RAM isn’t the only brand to convert full-size trucks locally, as Chevrolet also imports the Silverado. The Ford F-150 will join the fray in 2023 – also locally redesigned – and Toyota is also likely to enter the market with the Tundra.

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“Australia is a hugely important market for us outside of North America and the growth we’ve seen here over the last few years has been phenomenal,” said RAM International boss Bob Grazyk during a tour of the Australian facility.

What is the amount of RAM in Australia?

Until the end of September 2022 RAM sold 4153 trucks, which is 45 percent more than last year. The light 1500 model has the majority of sales, followed by the 2500 and 3500.

Since the partnership began in 2013, Walkinshaw Automotive Group has converted a total of 18,019 utes for the Australian and New Zealand markets. Australia is the largest RAM market outside the US.

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RAM Australian range

The 2023 RAM Australian range starts with the short wheelbase 1500 Express from $99,950 on-road. Laramie and Limited options are available with higher equipment.

All lightweight RAMs are powered by a 291kW/556Nm 5.7-litre petrol V8 and eight-speed automatic transmission with four-wheel drive.

The high-powered 2500 Laramie starts at $163,950, while the Ford Ranger Raptor, which competes with the flagship 1500 TRX, is a whopping $199,950.

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