RAM expands operations in Australia for 2023

Full-size American pick-ups are here to stay, and to satiate increasing demand RAM is expanding its local operation.

RAM’s full-size trucks are imported from the US by the Ateco Group and converted to right-hand drive in Melbourne with the help of Walkinshaw Automotive.

Previously, the facility had capacity to convert 10,000 vehicles each year, this has now doubled to 20,000 per annum.

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The facility itself now covers 16,025 square metres with the light duty RAM 1500 models converted on a separate line to heavy duty 2500 and 3500 diesel-powered models.

Not only has the facility’s size grown, but the workforce has swollen to 641 employees making RAM the biggest Australian automotive manufacturer.

RAM is not the only brand converting full-size trucks locally, as Chevrolet also imports the Silverado. The Ford F-150 will join the fray in 2023 – also locally converted – with Toyota also likely to enter the market with the Tundra.

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“Australia is a super important market for us outside of North America, and the growth that we’ve seen here over the last few years has been phenomenal,” Head of RAM International Bob Grazyk said when visiting the Australian operations.

How big is RAM in Australia?

To the end of September 2022 RAM sold 4153 trucks, a 45 per cent increase on last year. The majority of sales come from the light duty 1500 model, followed by 2500 and 3500.

Since the relationship began in 2013, Walkinshaw Automotive Group has converted a total of 18,019 utes for the Australian and New Zealand markets. Australia is the largest RAM market outside the US.

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RAM Australian range

The 2023 Australian RAM range kicks off with the 1500 Express short wheelbase from $99,950 before on-road costs. Higher trim Laramie and Limited variants are available.

All light duty RAMs feature a 291kW/556Nm 5.7-litre petrol V8 and eight-speed automatic transmission with four-wheel drive.

The heavy duty 2500 Laramie costs $163,950 and the Ford Ranger Raptor rivalling 1500 TRX flagship commands a whopping $199,950.

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