2013 Ram 1500 Driving New Jobs, Increased Production Capacity

METHUEN, Mass., Nov. 28, 2012 — A redesigned 2013 Ram 1500 went on sale last month amid high expectations, and the Chrysler Group is making preparations to support higher sales of the pickup truck. The automaker recently announced that it is adding 1,250 jobs and investing $240 million at its Detroit-area plants, with many of the changes serving to boost production capacity of the newest Ram 1500.

With the addition of a third shift to its Warren truck plant next March, Chrysler is hiring 1,000 new workers to build more units of the 2013 Ram 1500. Meanwhile, the company's Mack 1 engine plant in Detroit will receive $198 million and 250 new jobs by early 2014 to manufacture the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6, a newly available engine for Ram's pickup. Lastly, Chrysler will be investing $40 million into its Trenton North plant to open up a flexible line that will also produce the Pentastar powerplant, as well as the Tigershark inline-four engines for the all-new 2013 Dodge Dart.

"The new Ram 1500 is coming out at a time when its competitors are lacking any significant updates, so Chrysler is making plans for the truck to gain some serious sales momentum," said Tom Barenboim, owner of Clark Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram, a Methuen, Massachusetts Ram dealer. "That said, sales of the pickup were already impressive before the redesign, and all of Chrysler's brands are doing very well, so those things also factored into the new investments and jobs."

Through October, U.S. sales of Ram pickup trucks are up 20 percent this year compared to the same period in 2011, moving 238,815 units. Overall, the Chrysler Group has sold 23 percent more vehicles in 2012 year-over-year, with everything from the Chrysler 200 to the Dodge Avenger to the Jeep Patriot experiencing strong double-digit sales growth.

A big selling point for the 2013 Ram 1500 is its best-in-class fuel economy of 25 mpg on the highway, which is thanks to the aforementioned Pentastar V6 and other new features like a smooth eight-speed automatic transmission, an auto stop-start system and the use of active aerodynamics. Even with that efficiency, the same engine pumps out 305 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque, allowing it to offer a class-leading towing capacity of 6,500 pounds.

Advanced technology extends outside of the engine bay in the new Ram 1500 as well, including the next-generation Uconnect infotainment system. Controllable through an 8.4-inch touchscreen and voice commands, the available Uconnect Access gives drivers' hands-free operation of phone calls, navigation, texting and music, including the optional HD Radio and SiriusXM Radio. All passengers will also now benefit from the system's Wi-Fi hotspot capability, which allows them to connect their smartphones, tablets or laptops while on the go.

"The latest Ram 1500 leaves Ford and Chevy with a lot of catching up to do, whether you're talking about capability, fuel efficiency or technology," added Barenboim. "The truck has already started to close the sales gap in the past year, and we expect Ram to pick up an eye-opening amount of market share in the coming months."

About Clark Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram:
For more than 60 years, Clark Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram has helped car, truck and SUV buyers find the vehicles that satisfy their needs, along with the financing and service they deserve. Whether you're searching for hassle-free Jeep sales, Chrysler parts, Dodge service or the latest Ram trucks, their dealership works hard to exceed customer expectations. To view Clark's wide selection of new and used Jeep and Chrysler models, visit their showroom at 175 Pelham Street in Methuen, Massachusetts, or browse online at www.clarkchryslerjeep.com. They can be reached by phone at 888-875-3706, and you can find them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ClarkJeep.