All-new chassis cabs showcase dominant commercial capability,
durability and dependability AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Feb. 7
/PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- * Legendary Cummins Turbo Diesel in
6.7-liter displacement (610 lb.-ft. of torque) * Six-speed
automatic or manual transmission with Power Take Off (PTO)
capability * Largest standard fuel tank in segment (52 gallons) *
Best-in-class first-gear launch provides optimum acceleration on
vehicle take-off * Largest brake rotors in segment (390 mm) *
Largest caliper piston size in segment (66 mm) * Life-to-overhaul
intervals of 350,000 miles * Standard diesel exhaust brake system,
together with class-leading brakes and pistons, extends brake life
while giving driver increased control * Commercial-grade frame
(50,000-psi steel) to maximize strength and reduce weight * Flat,
"clean" frame rail -- all chassis components below top-of-frame
surface to facilitate after-market upfits or retrofits * To ensure
quality, more than 1.5 million test miles by Dodge truck engineers
Extending bold, tough, in-your-face Dodge Ram heritage to the Class
4 and 5 commercial market, Dodge expands its commercial presence
and sets another commercial standard with the launch of the all-new
2008 Dodge Ram 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cabs. Both chassis cabs were
revealed today at the Chicago Auto Show. "We built the all-new 2008
Dodge Ram 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cabs for heavy- duty chassis cab
buyers who want a powerful, capable and versatile commercial-
quality vehicle," said George Murphy, Senior Vice President -
Global Brand Marketing, Chrysler Group. "With commercial
performance, durability and capability, the 2008 Dodge Ram 4500 and
5500 Chassis Cabs offer dominant powertrain packages, a
commercial-grade upfit-friendly chassis, and bold, 'big-rig' Ram
styling." Delivering maximum uptime, the 2008 Dodge Ram 4500 and
5500 Chassis Cabs are the ultimate chassis for the commercial
customer looking for a dynamic, capable work-truck. Ram 4500 and
5500 Chassis Cabs feature numerous class- leading attributes
including largest standard fuel tank (52 gallons), largest brake
rotors (390 mm), largest caliper pistons (66 mm) and best-in-class
first-gear launch for optimum acceleration on vehicle take-off.
With industry-standard 34-inch frame rail spacing and flat, clean
frame rails on a one-piece C-channel rear-frame rail (50,000-psi
steel), upfit- friendliness is a primary theme of the Dodge Ram
4500 and 5500 Chassis Cabs. Showcasing an unrivaled upfit-friendly
design that reduces costs for body- builders and customers, all
chassis components are below the frame surface assuring easy
adaptability and versatility for virtually any upfit application.
Offered in dual-rear-wheel models, four cab-axle lengths (60, 84,
108 and 120 inches) are available. The all-new 2008 Dodge Ram 4500
and 5500 Chassis Cabs offer leading commercial performance with a
dominant powertrain package. The standard 6.7-liter Cummins High
Output Turbo Diesel is loaded with 305 horsepower and 610 lb.-ft.
of torque. Bigger Commercial Presence Extends Dodge Truck
Leadership Expanding the Dodge Ram portfolio while building on
Dodge's leadership position in the truck market, the all-new 2008
Dodge Ram 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cabs conquer new territory as they
charge into the Class 4 and 5 chassis cab segments creating a
greater commercial presence for the Dodge brand. "The commercial
vehicle market is essentially white space for the Dodge brand,"
said Murphy. "We will continue to fill it with bold, powerful and
capable vehicles." The Ram 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cabs will compete
within the Class 4 and 5 segments with a gross vehicle weight range
of 14,000 to 19,500 lbs. Overall industry forecasts for this range
of chassis cab vehicles were 140,000 units in 2006 with growth
expectations to 156,000 units by 2012. The Class 4-5 chassis cab
segment is expecting further growth to 18 percent by 2015. U.S.
sales of Class 3-5 trucks grew 42 percent in 2005 to 261,627. Class
3-5 vehicles have a gross vehicle weight range between 10,001 lbs.
to 19,500 lbs. Targeted at small-business tradesmen, fleet
customers and traditional chassis cab users, the Dodge Ram 4500 and
5500 Chassis Cabs expand on a solid commercial foundation and
lineup of full-size van, minivan and body-on-frame commercial
vehicles joining the Dodge Ram 2500/3500 Box-Off models, Dodge Ram
3500 Chassis Cab, Dodge Sprinter, Dodge Ram pickup, and Dodge
Caravan and Grand Caravan cargo vans in the Dodge commercial
vehicle lineup. Powertrain Options Ensure Powerhouse Performance
Dominant commercial performance is assured with the 2008 Dodge Ram
4500 and 5500 Chassis Cabs as commercial customer specialty needs
are met with superior capability, durability and performance.
"Delivering premium commercial performance, capability and
durability, the all-new 2008 Dodge Ram 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cabs
offer the segment's most potent powertrain combinations in work
trucks that get the job done," said Mike Donoughe, Vice President
-- Body-on-frame Product Team. Maintaining its reign at the top of
the heavy-duty diesel pickup segment, the standard Cummins engine
generates 305 horsepower at 3,000 rpm and 610 lb.- ft. of torque at
1,600 rpm. The legendary engine also delivers superior fuel economy
while ensuring durability and low cost of ownership for the
commercial customer. Providing superior trailer towing,
acceleration, throttle response and drivability, the 6.7-liter
engine is not only more powerful, it's also cleaner with B5
biodiesel compatibility and a reduction in particulates and
nitrogen oxide (NOx) that comply with the 50-state 2007 heavy-duty
emission standards. As durable as it is powerful, the Cummins
6.7-liter turbo-diesel engine also has life-to-major overhaul
intervals of 350,000 miles. Completing the dynamic powertrain
package, the all-new 2008 Dodge Ram 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cabs
offer a six-speed automatic transmission with Power Take Off (PTO)
capability or a six-speed manual transmission with PTO capability.
An available electronic-shift transfer case is offered and a
factory-installed exhaust brake contributes to both safety and
superior brake life. "Job Rated" Commercial-grade Chassis with
Superior Suspension System The Dodge Ram 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cabs
lineup of 4x2, 4x4, dual-rear- wheel, regular and Quad Cab models
are "Job-rated," meaning they are designed, engineered, tested and
built to meet the rigid standards of commercial truck buyers. Armed
with Dodge Ram Heavy Duty's superior suspension system, beefed up
even more for commercial applications, Dodge Ram 4500 and 5500
Chassis Cabs provide expanded capability and durability with a
commercial-grade chassis mated to a one-piece C-channel rear-frame
rail (50,000 psi steel). Two-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive
models feature a recirculating ball system that provides precise
response and an on-center steering feel through lower internal
friction. Improved power steering lines contribute to the delivery
of precise feel and response for better handling. Featuring solid-
beam front and rear axles, and a five-link, coil-spring front
suspension with beam axle, a front and rear link-type sway bar and
heavy-duty tubular shock absorbers are standard. The rear
suspension on two- and four-wheel-drive models is equipped with
leaf springs and includes standard two-stage springs as part of the
spring design for greater load-carrying capability. Four cab-axle
lengths (60, 84, 108 and 120 inches) are available. Maximum Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) for 4500 models is 16,500. For 5500
models, the maximum GVWR is 19,500 lbs. The Gross Combined Weight
Rating (GCWR) for both 4500 and 5500 models is 26,000 lbs. The
standard diesel exhaust brake system, together with class-leading
brakes and pistons, provides extended brake life and increased
driver control while contributing to enhanced safety performance.
Standard four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock braking system (ABS)
ensure superior safety and crash- avoidance capability. Unmatched
Versatility and Upfit-Friendliness Meeting all cab-axle and
industry upfitter specifications, the 2008 Dodge Ram 4500 and 5500
Chassis Cabs bring unmatched versatility and upfit- friendliness
with an enhanced commercial-grade, user-friendly chassis to the
Class 4 and 5 chassis segments. Flat, "clean" frame rails with
industry- standard 34-inch frame rail spacing provide versatility
for virtually any upfit application. All chassis components are
below the frame surface to facilitate after-market upfits or
retrofits. Bolt-on and riveted-on exhaust hanger brackets provide
increased upfitter flexibility, and riveted cross-members behind
the cab allow for easier modification. The one-piece C-channel
frame, shear plate or u-bolt access along the length of the frame,
and shear plate mounting locations identified along the frame
contribute to the Ram 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cabs' upfitter
friendliness. The fuel filler is routed through the frame and an
optional mid-ship fuel tank frees up more space behind the rear
axle for special upfit applications. Fuel and brake lines are
routed together on the frame's left side to make better use of
space along the frame, which also has clearance for rear-exhaust
routing. Electrical connections are user-friendly thanks to
three-fused battery feeds routed into the cab and on to the rear of
the chassis. A high-current 50-amp ground stud is located at the
rear of the frame. Upfitter wire circuits and electrical schematics
are identified in the body builder guide. Together, these unique
upfit-friendly enhancements provide a streamline assembly process
that reduces costs for upfitters, second-stage manufacturers and
customers. Bold, Tough, Dodge Design Conveying commercial power and
vigor, along with instantly recognizable, unmistakable bold Ram
styling and design, the all-new 2008 Dodge Ram 4500 and 5500
Chassis Cabs stand out in the Class 4-5 chassis cab segments.
Robust and loaded with a "big-truck" look and feel, its enormous
crosshair grille and large headlamps are the dominant focal point
of a vehicle that retains the most recognizable design signature of
any mid-size truck on the market. Reinforced by an equally bold
hood and fender combination, the dynamic front appearance is
anchored by twin, large 7- x 10-inch trailer tow mirrors as
standard. Beneath each fender are 19.5-inch wheels. The Ram 4500
and 5500 Chassis Cabs are available in three trim lines: ST, SLT
and Laramie. Comfortable and Convenient Interiors The 2008 Dodge
Ram 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cabs successfully blend full-size
interior comfort with commercial convenience. Showcasing an
easy-to-navigate instrument panel cluster, the user-friendly wide
center stack contains air conditioning, heating, ventilation and
audio system controls. Comfortable, oversized seats, including
available bucket seats with leather trim, provide relaxing support
while adding both a rich appearance and upscale atmosphere to a
commercial truck. Quad Cab models provide seating for six
passengers and are equipped with four standard doors and 60/40
folding rear seats. Demonstrating interior functionality and
capability, seat cushions fold up to create a tall storage area
from floor to ceiling. An optional floor section under the back
seat folds open to form a flat-load floor with additional storage
in each of the foot wells. Delivering just as much versatility and
flexibility, regular cab models provide generous storage behind the
seat and allow for considerable travel use and ease in reclining
for both driver and passengers. More Than 1.5 Million Test Miles
Logged by Dodge Truck Engineers Commercial customers expect to put
their trucks to work and get exceptional performance, capability
and durability. In placing an extraordinary emphasis on quality,
heavy-duty results were achieved as the all-new 2008 Dodge Ram 4500
and 5500 Chassis Cabs take full advantage of modern technology and
deliver quality by the ton with more than 1.5 million
customer-equivalent miles logged by Dodge Truck engineers during
the vehicle's development. All-new 2008 Dodge Ram 4500 and 5500
Chassis Cabs Safety and Security Features The all-new 2008 Dodge
Ram 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cabs provide commercial vehicle customers
a high level of safety and security technology. Following is a list
of safety and security features found in the all-new 2008 Dodge Ram
4500 and 5500 Chassis Cabs: * BeltAlert -- Enhanced seat belt
reminder system. If a vehicle is driven without the driver being
properly belted, the system will periodically activate a chime and
illuminate an icon in the instrument cluster to remind the driver
to buckle up * Child-Protection Rear-door Locks -- Allow customers
to disable the rear-door, inside-release handle. A small lever on
the door-shut face operates this feature * Energy-absorbing
Steering Column -- Steering column utilizes two coaxial tubes that
move relative to each other in order to allow the column to move
forward for enhanced energy-absorption during an impact * Enhanced
Accident Response System (EARS) -- In the event of an impact, this
system makes it easier for emergency personnel to see and reach
occupants by turning on the interior lighting and unlocking doors
after air bag deployment * Four-wheel Anti-lock-brake System (ABS)
-- Senses and prevents wheel lockup, offering improved steering
control under extreme braking and/or slippery conditions *
Integrated Remote Keyless Entry Transmitter and Ignition Key -- The
remote keyless entry locks and unlocks doors and turns on interior
lamps. If the vehicle is equipped with a vehicle-theft security
alarm, the remote also arms and disarms that system * Knee Bolsters
-- The steering column lower instrument panel and the glove-box
door are reinforced to further protect occupants during frontal
impacts. They both restrain and position the occupant properly and
enable air bags to work effectively * Lower Anchors and Tethers for
CHildren (LATCH) -- This system helps ease the installation of
compatible aftermarket child seats * Multi-stage Air Bag System --
Offering enhanced protection, this system is designed to deploy
based on the severity of an impact * Security Alarm -- Arms and
disarms alarm feature through remote control, flashes lights and
sounds horn upon unauthorized entry * Sentry Key Engine Immobilizer
Theft Deterrent System -- This utilizes an engine key that has an
embedded transponder with a pre-programmed security key code. When
the key is inserted into the ignition, the controller sends a
random number to the transponder and the engine is allowed to
start. If the correct key is not used, the engine will shut off
after only a few seconds * Three-point Seat Belts -- Front outboard
seating positions and all rear seating positions in the Dodge Ram
4500 and 5500 Chassis Cabs have lap and shoulder belts Balanced
Production Thanks to Flexible Manufacturing Process The all-new
2008 Dodge Ram 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cabs will be built at Chrysler
Group's Saltillo Assembly Plant in Coahuila, Mexico. One of the
company's most flexible plants, the Saltillo Plant -- which also
produces the all-new Dodge Ram 3500 Chassis Cab, Dodge Ram Mega
Cab, Dodge Ram Power Wagon, and Dodge Ram Heavy Duty 2500 and 3500
models -- takes on production of the Ram 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cabs
as part of the company's Flexible Manufacturing Strategy (FMS). The
FMS approach allows the company to not only balance production with
demand, but to also efficiently build low-volume vehicles that take
advantage of market niches, and to quickly shift production volumes
between different models within a single plant or among multiple
plants. "FMS is a key enabler in our ability to bring the all-new
2008 Dodge Ram 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cabs to market," said Frank
Ewasyshyn, Executive Vice President - Manufacturing. "It not only
allows us to produce a high-quality product, but to do so faster
and at a lower cost." For production of the Dodge Ram 4500 and 5500
Chassis Cabs, Chrysler Group recently invested an additional $48
million into the plant, which follows a $210 million investment in
2005 for production of the all-new 2006 Dodge Ram Mega Cab.
Enlarging the facility by 120,000 square feet enables the plant to
produce commercial vehicles and accommodate new frame
configurations. In addition, the expansion increases production
capacity and enables the plant to manage the added complexity of
the Dodge Ram 4500/5500's all-new commercial- grade chassis and
suspensions, including two cab-axle lengths, regular and Quad Cab
versions, 4x2 and 4x4 variants, and single- and dual-rear-wheel
models. The Saltillo Assembly Plant has 2,100 employees working on
two shifts and is one of five Chrysler Group production facilities
in Mexico. Dodge Commercial Vehicles As part of DaimlerChrysler,
the world's leading manufacturer of commercial vehicles, Dodge
continues to increase the breadth of its commercial products and
offers a comprehensive array of vehicles and services designed with
business customers in mind. Along with the Dodge Ram 2500/3500
Box-Off models and the Dodge Ram 3500, 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cabs
-- the Class 3-5 segments' most powerful, capable and
upfit-friendly work trucks -- Dodge Caravan and Grand Caravan cargo
vans complement a growing Dodge commercial lineup that includes the
class-leading Dodge Sprinter, which continues its legacy and
leadership as the top-performing commercial van in the marketplace.
Dodge BusinessLink Launched in 1999 and offering no-cost
enrollment, Dodge BusinessLink is a full-service commercial program
comprised of a select network of Dodge dealers who know and
understand the unique vehicle needs of small businesses, fleet
managers and other commercial vehicle customers. Providing
exclusive benefits, BusinessLink dealers offer unprecedented
business assistance including dedicated commercial account managers
and sales teams, dealer inventories representing a higher mix of
work-truck and other commercial vehicles, next- day service and
technicians, extended hours to minimize downtime, free loaner
vehicles and more. BusinessLink also includes our "On The Job"
program which offers discounts on upfits and direct cash incentives
and savings on almost all Dodge commercial vehicles. Dodge Brand
With a U.S. market share of 6 percent, Dodge is the Chrysler
Group's best- selling brand and the fifth largest nameplate in the
U.S. automotive market. In 2006, Dodge sold than 1.3 million
vehicles in the global market. Dodge continues to lead the minivan
market with a 20 percent market share in the U.S. In the highly
competitive truck market, Dodge has a 15 percent market share.
Dodge is also entering key European volume segments. DATASOURCE:
Chrysler Group CONTACT: Randy Jones, +1-248-512-5061, or , or Bryan
Zvibleman, or +1-248-512-2686, , both of the Chrysler Group Web
site: http://www.media.daimlerchrysler.com/
http://www.daimlerchrysler.com/
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