2019 Ram 1500 Production is Reportedly Behind Schedule
The official launch for the 2019 Ram 1500 has reportedly been delayed by a growing number of complications
Many enthusiasts are going to have to wait even longer than expected for a brand-new Ram truck
As Fiat Chrysler prepares to roll out a new generation of Ram 1500 trucks, the outgoing generation of the vehicle is experiencing some sales difficulties. Even as FCA encouraged dealerships to transfer select 2018 Ram 1500 models into loaner fleets to boost sales, Ram 1500 sales were still down by 9% in April. Therefore, FCA is counting on a strong launch for the brand-new 2019 Ram 1500. However, reports from sources familiar with the pickup truck’s production suggest that the launch for the 2019 Ram 1500 is currently experiencing some significant setbacks.
Explore Ram’s Latest Model: The all-new Ram 1500
According to FCA CEO Sergio Marchionne, the Sterling Heights Assembly plant where the 2019 Ram 1500 is built is running at 60% of cycle, certainly not where it needs to be for the Ram 1500’s projected production date. Internal sources state that the factory is currently building around 1,000 trucks a day and as a result, FCA has allocated $300 million to address the issues that have been delaying the Ram 1500’s delivery. Still, not even that large sum of cash can address all of the issues plaguing the vehicle’s assembly.
As the 2019 Ram 1500 struggles to roll out, the 2018 version of the vehicle is suffering significant sales losses
An anonymous source familiar with those issues told Automotive News that suppliers are having difficulty keeping up with assembling two different versions of the Ram 1500 pickup at the same time. That current process doesn’t show any signs of stopping, as FCA has indicated that production for the 2018 Ram 1500 could continue through 2018 and even into 2019 to address the 2019 model’s current delays. Furthermore, sources claim that more than 2,500 2019 Ram 1500 trucks are currently awaiting repairs before they can be shipped. The problem is said to be electrical, but no other details could be shared at this time.
How Different Pickup Stack Up: 2018 Ram 1500 vs. 2018 Ford F-150
A small amount of 2019 Ram 1500 models have already begun to arrive at dealerships. All of these models are equipped with the 5.7-liter V-8 engine, which delivers the same fuel economy as the previous generation of Ram 1500 vehicles. Neither the 3.6-liter V-6 engine nor the 5.7-liter mild hybrid system are available for the 2019 Ram 1500 just yet.
FCA’s revised production calendar indicates that the Sterling Heights Assembly plant will operate two 10-hour shifts every day, and will stay open every weekend and holiday through Labor Day to get production of the 2019 Ram 1500 back up to speed. With the plant still undergoing construction and with the large number of reported production woes for the brand-new Ram model, getting things going for the new model may take even more time and effort than initially expected.
News Source: Automotive News (subscription required)
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