Dodge Ram Dakota Successor Is Still In Design Stages, But Faces Difficulty To Find a Cost Effective Production Solution (News)

Ram TRX and new mid-size truck part of FCA's Five-Year Plan
2011 Dodge Ram Dakota

FCA chief executive, Mike Manley, shed some more light on the Dodge Ram Dakota successor midsize truck development. Manley acknowledged that lack of a Ram midsize truck is obvious, and that the team is focused on finding a solution.

Manley said “I want that problem solved frankly, because it’s a clear hole in our portfolio.” He added “It will not be filled with Gladiator, because Gladiator has a very, very different mission. But trust me on that, they’re focused on it.”

It appears that FCA is looking for a cost-effective production facility, chassis, and process in order to make the next Ram midsize pickup affordable, capable, and competitive against the competition from the Toyota Tacoma, Chevy Colorado, Ford Ranger, and others.

CEO also pointed out that the new Jeep Gladiator does not fill the same customer need as a new Ram midsize truck would. The Gladiator 4×4 is a more premium offering with a higher price tag and off-road lifestyle focus.

It’s still unclear when or if the next Ram midsize truck will come to market. It may be in or before 2022, but the company still has not communicated more precise plans yet.