Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) Middle East has presented its new Ram 1200, a metric tonne pickup truck, to commercial fleet buyers and distributors in the GCC – targeting what is currently the largest pickup truck segment in the Middle East.
The Ram 1200 will launch in 2017 in both single- and double-cab configurations, with three trim levels, a manual or automatic gearbox, 4×2 or 4×4 drive, and two engine options: a 2.5-litre diesel with a power output of 94-100 kW (134 hp) or a 2.4-litre 97 kW petrol engine.
The payload capacity of the Ram 1200 is up to 1,165kg, and it can tow up to three tonnes.
“The new Ram 1200 allows us to enter a segment where we haven’t previously competed, and into a critical market encompassing 90% of the total pickup truck volume in the region,” said Maurizio Zuares, CEO of FCA Middle East.
“We believe there is a clear opportunity for a highly capable product like the Ram 1200 here in the Middle East.”
Robert J. Hegbloom, head of Ram Brand International, FCA US, described the Ram 1200 as an important truck that allows FCA Middle East “to play in the heart of this market”.
He said: “We have thought about the commercial customer and what they want: capability – this is a truck that can handle all work requirements; dependability – because if the vehicle is down it is losing money; and low cost of ownership – as we will ensure we have an extremely competitive package in place.”
The Ram 1200 joins a line-up of larger Ram trucks in the Middle East, and was revealed alongside the Ram 1500 Rebel and 1500 Limited.
The Ram 1500 Laramie Longhorn special edition, a luxury-spec pickup popular among the oilfields of Texas, US, is also coming to the Middle East to satisfy demand from local oil and gas industry executives, said Hegbloom.
