Ram is putting serious thought into building a full-size SUV to take on the likes the Chevrolet Suburban, Ford Expedition, and GMC Yukon XL.

 

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles CEO Sergio Marchionne expressed his interest during a call announcing the third-quarter financial results.

 

The large SUV segment is “the near-exclusive use of some others. We have a reasonable chance of getting at least part of that market,” said Marchionne.

 

Marchionne explained that Ram begins to redesign its pickup lineup and add production, space for such a vehicle begins to open up.

 

“I think we have a unique opportunity with renewal of the pickup line, with the powertrains we selected, to significantly increase output. We will also be exploring, as a result of that investment, some other segments.”

 

Now there is a slight issue to this vehicle for Ram. Jeep is currently working on three-row SUV named the Grand Wagoneer that has been pushed back till 2019. Marchionne says the possible Ram SUV will not compete with the Grand Wagoneer as the latter model will take on the likes of the Range Rover.

 

“I don’t think anybody who buys a large SUV is confusing it with a Range Rover,” said Marchionne.

 

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

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It would make sense... It really can't cost that much more to add it to a a truck platform redesign that you're doing anyway.

^

 

Well, it is not cheap by any means either. You still need an all new frame and suspension, and mostly new body.  Some shared components, but you still have to develop and tool it.

^

 

Well, it is not cheap by any means either. You still need an all new frame and suspension, and mostly new body.  Some shared components, but you still have to develop and tool it.

 

That depends. Any reason it couldn't ride on the same frame as a crew cab pickup? might need stiffer springs but nothing drastic in the suspension.  Front clip, doors, dash, seats, ... everything forward of the backside of the second row could all carry over. 

Ram Ramcharger?  It could work.  Reminds me... I do miss fullsize, 2-door SUVs.

 

^

 

Well, it is not cheap by any means either. You still need an all new frame and suspension, and mostly new body.  Some shared components, but you still have to develop and tool it.

 

That depends. Any reason it couldn't ride on the same frame as a crew cab pickup? might need stiffer springs but nothing drastic in the suspension.  Front clip, doors, dash, seats, ... everything forward of the backside of the second row could all carry over. 

 

Full Size SUV that would have a Diesel, something us GM fans have wanted like FOREVER!

 

They could get my business if they did it right with a Diesel. That would truly take business from GM and Ford.

I'm more interested in where Sergio is planning to get the production capacity. Right now they're desperate for it, never mind a few years down the road.

And yes, I could definitely see the appeal of a turbodiesel large SUV. Figure even 2-300 pounds of weight savings off my current truck for a Tahoe-sized jobbie, and keep the air suspension.

Hmmmm.

I'm more interested in where Sergio is planning to get the production capacity. Right now they're desperate for it, never mind a few years down the road.

And yes, I could definitely see the appeal of a turbodiesel large SUV. Figure even 2-300 pounds of weight savings off my current truck for a Tahoe-sized jobbie, and keep the air suspension.

Hmmmm.

Like This?

 

Yup. Gotta love Mexican-market stuff

I'm surprised they didn't do one 20 years ago when the full size SUV market was growing..

I don't know what the cost would have been to certify it for sale in Canada or the US. You'd probably have to do crash regs and whatnot. I'm not sure what the rules are like in Mexico. I do know that they have had a bunch of stuff that is not available elsewhere. But these days I dunno.

I don't know what the cost would have been to certify it for sale in Canada or the US. You'd probably have to do crash regs and whatnot. I'm not sure what the rules are like in Mexico. I do know that they have had a bunch of stuff that is not available elsewhere. But these days I dunno.

There was a 2dr Ramcharger exclusive to Mexico in the late 90s, but nothing since then.  Those more recent 4dr ones above are aftermarket conversions or Photoshop fun...

Edited October 30, 201510 yr by Cubical-aka-Moltar

Ok, cool. Good to know!

Better late than never, I guess.

It will be a pretty piece of junk, if every survey ever written is anything to go by.

Just not sure it will get by the diehards in the other two brands.....

I'll have to disagree with you on that one, although it might take time. After all, Ram was in pretty dire straits with pickup sales figures not so long ago. If they base it off their next truck and that truck is similarly innovative, capable, and good-looking then it will work. Actually, they may already have a ready-made customer base of current Ram truck owners. I could see them carving out a reasonable chunk of the marketplace (15-20%) with Gen 1.

I'll have to disagree with you on that one, although it might take time. After all, Ram was in pretty dire straits with pickup sales figures not so long ago. If they base it off their next truck and that truck is similarly innovative, capable, and good-looking then it will work. Actually, they may already have a ready-made customer base of current Ram truck owners. I could see them carving out a reasonable chunk of the marketplace (15-20%) with Gen 1.

 

I think they'd immediately jump to 3rd place knocking the Titan Armada and Sequoia down. 

I'll have to disagree with you on that one, although it might take time. After all, Ram was in pretty dire straits with pickup sales figures not so long ago. If they base it off their next truck and that truck is similarly innovative, capable, and good-looking then it will work. Actually, they may already have a ready-made customer base of current Ram truck owners. I could see them carving out a reasonable chunk of the marketplace (15-20%) with Gen 1.

I'll have to disagree with you on that one, although it might take time. After all, Ram was in pretty dire straits with pickup sales figures not so long ago. If they base it off their next truck and that truck is similarly innovative, capable, and good-looking then it will work. Actually, they may already have a ready-made customer base of current Ram truck owners. I could see them carving out a reasonable chunk of the marketplace (15-20%) with Gen 1.

Next truck isn't due for years. Word is 2021.

If that's true then perhaps they should just take the plunge and do it ASAP. After all, it's not like the segment doesn't have its fair share of fossilized platforms. Really low-hanging fruit for conquest sales, right?

Edited October 31, 201510 yr by El Kabong

I'll have to disagree with you on that one, although it might take time. After all, Ram was in pretty dire straits with pickup sales figures not so long ago. If they base it off their next truck and that truck is similarly innovative, capable, and good-looking then it will work. Actually, they may already have a ready-made customer base of current Ram truck owners. I could see them carving out a reasonable chunk of the marketplace (15-20%) with Gen 1.

 

I think they'd immediately jump to 3rd place knocking the Titan Armada and Sequoia down.

Definitely those. I could see them putting a scare in Ford as well.

If that's true then perhaps they should just take the plunge and do it ASAP. After all, it's not like the segment doesn't have its fair share of fossilized platforms. Really low-hanging fruit for conquest sales, right?

It's well know that fossilized platform, which beat a brand new offering ( see C&D comparo ) is being replaced soon - before this might be Ram SUV would make its debut. And an like its Yukon/Suburban competition, that fossilized SUV is not on a Least Reliable List either.

Uh... did you ever think I, like Drew, was referring to the Nissan?

LOL@troll dragging brand of choice into argument

Uh... did you ever think I, like Drew, was referring to the Nissan?

LOL@troll dragging brand of choice into argument

Then why speak plural ( fossilized platforms ) if talking about Nissan?

Edited October 31, 201510 yr by Burnt Valve LS7

Uh... did you ever think I, like Drew, was referring to the Nissan?

LOL@troll dragging brand of choice into argument

Then why speak plural ( fossilized platforms ) if talking about Nissan?

Why you save quote, man? All you're doing is saving proof that you were putting words into my mouth. That's trolling, no ifs, ands, or buts.

Also, Toyota platform? Kinda ancient too, wot?

Yeesh

Edited October 31, 201510 yr by El Kabong

Uh... did you ever think I, like Drew, was referring to the Nissan?

LOL@troll dragging brand of choice into argument

Then why speak plural ( fossilized platforms ) if talking about Nissan?

Why you save quote, man? All you're doing is saving proof that you were putting words into my mouth. That's trolling, no ifs, ands, or buts.

Also, Toyota platform? Kinda ancient too, wot?

Yeesh

Save quote because it's proof of what was said and cannot be edited to show words were not put in your mouth.

Do like how your story changes now to now include Toyota.

Yeesh

So, Kreskin plays the semantics game. You're just disappointed that my post didn't involve your brand of choice.

Edited October 31, 201510 yr by El Kabong

Now. Ram SUV. Lotsa upside in a segment full of low-hanging fruit.

Shall we continue

So, Kreskin plays the semantics game. You're just disappointed that my post didn't involve your brand of choice.

Fail of epic proportions :D

" No I was talking about Nissan. No wait, I was talking about Nissan and Toyota.."

Yes, your changing of story while throwing in a name call jab is an epic fail.

Edited October 31, 201510 yr by Burnt Valve LS7

Look.

Bottom line: YOU HAVE NO IDEA WHO I WAS REFERRING TO.

Reason being: I decided to try and play nice. There were PLENTY of brands it coulda been. I made good and sure of that when I posted what I posted.

Then you decided to put words in my mouth. Because all you're here to do is force a one-brand agenda.

We all know what's what. Now we all use that knowledge for our own ends

Edit: the downvote is just further proof of your agenda

Edited October 31, 201510 yr by El Kabong

Look.

Bottom line: YOU HAVE NO IDEA WHO I WAS REFERRING TO.

Reason being: I decided to try and play nice. There were PLENTY of brands it coulda been. I made good and sure of that when I posted what I posted.

Then you decided to put words in my mouth. Because all you're here to do is force a one-brand agenda.

We all know what's what. Now we all use that knowledge for our own ends

Edit: the downvote is just further proof of your agenda

Conversing with me. Throws out a few name calls while conversing with...wait for it...me. And now says " YOU HAVE NO IDEA WHO I WAS REFERRING TO. "

HA!

 

So, Kreskin plays the semantics game. You're just disappointed that my post didn't involve your brand of choice.

Fail of epic proportions :D

" No I was talking about Nissan. No wait, I was talking about Nissan and Toyota.."

Yes, your changing of story while throwing in a name call jab is an epic fail.

 

So you're a mind reader now and you knew exactly what he was talking about when he said it, even though there are five players in the full size game, and three of those are all on older bones? Man, that's impressive. Bravo!

Hey Burnt Valve: I cannot help it that you just got pantsed. I didn't tell you to out yourself as a troll.

You just did.

Now. Ram SUV. Nice upside in a weak segment.

Shall. We. Continue.

Edited October 31, 201510 yr by El Kabong

I'm not sure how "Kreskin" is an insult here. He's an amazing mentalist.

http://www.amazingkreskin.com/

Edited October 31, 201510 yr by surreal1272

So, Kreskin plays the semantics game. You're just disappointed that my post didn't involve your brand of choice.

Fail of epic proportions :D

" No I was talking about Nissan. No wait, I was talking about Nissan and Toyota.."

Yes, your changing of story while throwing in a name call jab is an epic fail.

So you're a mind reader now and you knew exactly what he was talking about when he said it, even though there are five players in the full size game, and three of those are all on older bones? Man, that's impressive. Bravo!

Nice of you to chime in. Wouldn't be complete without you sticking your nose in.

Thanks for the input.

Hey Burnt Valve: I cannot help it that you just got pantsed. I didn't tell you to out yourself as a troll.

You just did.

Now. Ram SUV. Nice upside in a weak segment.

Shall. We. Continue.

Hence me quoting your replies to me. Shows all where and at who you called a troll.

Thanks for getting played like a flute.

Sure, Kreskin

Now... This Ram SUV. If it was my call I'd start off with a Tahoe-length wheelbase.

 

 

 

So, Kreskin plays the semantics game. You're just disappointed that my post didn't involve your brand of choice.

Fail of epic proportions :D

" No I was talking about Nissan. No wait, I was talking about Nissan and Toyota.."

Yes, your changing of story while throwing in a name call jab is an epic fail.

So you're a mind reader now and you knew exactly what he was talking about when he said it, even though there are five players in the full size game, and three of those are all on older bones? Man, that's impressive. Bravo!

Nice of you to chime in. Wouldn't be complete without you sticking your nose in.

Thanks for the input.

 

Listen man, I'm just impressed by your mind reading capabilities. It is truly impressive to know what someone is thinking even when they haven't said anything. Again, bravo!

Edited October 31, 201510 yr by surreal1272

RAM is long overdue for a full size entry in the SUV field. A RAMCharger Hellcat edition would be a thing of beauty, even though I don't really care for SUVs that much.

To be honest I'm a bit shocked they got out of the game. But it looks like a segment ready-made for them.

I really like the Ram as it is currently, probably my favorite of the big three.... however, I don't think it can go till 2021 without some very substantial updates in the meantime.   They can't dither in this segment like they have so far with minivans. 

I really like the Ram as it is currently, probably my favorite of the big three.... however, I don't think it can go till 2021 without some very substantial updates in the meantime.   They can't dither in this segment like they have so far with minivans.

FWIW I don't think it'll be 2021 before the new one debuts. But if it takes that long it's too long.

Well they did go 1971-1993, so maybe...

Yes, and they well remember what that did to their presence in the segment. Eleven years on the same platform would be a bit much. I doubt they will try it, but if they do there will almost certainly be consequences.

I would guess either 2017 as a 2018 or 2018 as a 2019. 

Anyways, i think a fullsize Ram SUV with the Ecodiesel would be a huge hit.

Edited November 3, 201510 yr by Drew Dowdell
Removed trolling

I would guess either 2017 as a 2018 or 2018 as a 2019. 

Anyways, i think a fullsize Ram SUV with the Ecodiesel would be a huge hit.

As I said earlier, if Ram does a full size SUV with the EcoDiesel, they will murder the competition as people would like the torque and MPG of a diesel to pull their trailers.