Stellantis CEO Confirms RAM 1200 Pickup Will Be Produced in Brazil

Stellantis Confirms National Production of the Ram 1200 Pickup, Direct Competitor to Vehicles Such as the Toyota Hilux.

The Stellantis is preparing a pickup with Brazilian production, and the confirmation was announced by the company’s CEO in South America, Antonio Filosa. The Ram 1200 pickup is expected to arrive between the end of next year and the beginning of 2024. According to an article on the Auto Data website, the executive was questioned at an automotive industry business event about Brazil being close to confirming the national production of a Ram-branded pickup, more precisely in Goiana (PE), and Filosa responded affirmatively.

Ram Pickup Can Compete with Toyota Hilux

According to Filosa, the country is very close to receiving national production, however, he could not confirm where. Stellantis will locate the brand and the products and hopes it will be as good as Jeep, or even better, the executive claims.

The CEO of Stellantis did not go into detail regarding the future Ram 1200 pickup, but the expectation, according to some enthusiasts since March of last year, is that there is a new project called 291, which estimates the production of a midsize pickup with a double cab to compete with the top versions of the Toyota Hilux and others.

Currently referred to as the Ram 1200, due to its intermediate size between the Fiat Toro, marketed as Ram 1000 in other markets, and the Ram 1500, the future Brazilian pickup from Stellantis has the significant surprise that it is expected to use the monocoque structure of the Toro, as there is a body over chassis like other midsize pickups.

New Ram 1200 from Stellantis Will Have 274 Horsepower

A few days ago, a prototype of the model was spotted, using the body of the Toro, but with rear disc brakes and slightly elevated suspension. Next to the model was also a Toyota SW4, an SUV of the Hilux, further confirming that it was a comparison test. Thus, its platform will be the Small Wide.

According to information from the Quatro Rodas website, the project 291 of the Ram 1200 pickup will have a longer wheelbase and body compared to the Toro, as well as wider tracks. The bed will feature an opening with split side lids, like those of the Toro and also the Ram 1500, and closed cargo compartments in the rear fenders, known as Ram Box.

There will be 2.0 turbo gasoline engines with 274 horsepower and 40.8 kgfm from the GME family, or 2.2 MultiJet turbo diesel with 200 horsepower and 45 kgfm. Both options are expected to bring a nine-speed automatic transmission from ZF, which is already used by the Toro and all Brazilian Jeep 4×4 models. In addition, there will also be four-wheel drive and a 48-volt mild hybrid system to enhance fuel consumption.

Stellantis Develops Engine for Hybrid Vehicles

With the likely arrival of the Ram 1200 pickup, the company will fill another gap in the market, strengthening its brand presence in Brazil.

Before it, the brand will launch the Classic in the Brazilian market, which is nothing more than an older generation Ram 1500, which can be sold at a lower price. Above it will be the 1500 Rebel, the 2500, and the giant 3500.

It is important to remember that Stellantis is focusing on sustainability and has invested US$ 99 million to update three North American factories, which will be responsible for producing a new engine aimed at hybrid cars manufactured in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada.