RAM TRUCKS has confirmed the revival of the Dakota nameplate, asserting it is going to launch the automobile as a rival to mid-sized pick-up choices just like the Ford Ranger and Toyota Tacoma.
Based on publication Mopar Insiders, Stellantis boss Antonio Filosa stated the Ram Dakota will “be right here by 2027” and can “probably (be) offered underneath the Ram model as Dodge was spun off in 2009 to concentrate on SUVs and muscle automobiles”.
The Dodge Dakota was offered within the North American market from 1986 till 2011.
The report stated Mr Filosa had given buyers a glimpse of the brand new Dakota on the model’s latest Kepler Chervereaux Autumn Convention, pointing to an official return of the mannequin in 2027.
Mopar Insiders says the brand new Dakota is on the clay modelling section able to progress on the subsequent steps to manufacturing. It should give Ram Vans a much-needed fillip and doubtlessly claw again gross sales misplaced when the comparatively reasonably priced, bigger Ram 1500 Basic ceased manufacturing in October final 12 months.
Whereas it isn’t but identified whether or not the Dakota will probably be produced in right-hand drive format, there’s the potential Ram Vans Australia might search to transform the mannequin regionally, because it does with the bigger 1500.
“We’d love a mid-size pick-up and we’ve got all the time stated we’ve got our hand raised if ever such a automobile have been to change into out there for our market,” stated Ram Vans Australia common supervisor Jeff Barber.
Mopar Insiders says the arrival of a brand new Dakota within the North American market marks a “enormous milestone” for the Ram model, “filling a spot within the line-up that has been left vast open because the Dodge Dakota bowed out in 2011”.
The publication stated the 11 September announcement is the primary time Stellantis management has given a concrete timeline for the brand new mannequin, including that the mannequin is arriving “able to make an announcement”, doubtlessly suggesting it might look as prepared for motion because the just lately outed Dakota Dusk Idea (pictured).
Mr Filosa reportedly informed buyers that he “just lately had the possibility to see extra than simply sketches of the truck” on the firm’s design centre in Detroit, including that it’s “simply stunning”.
Ram Vans CEO Tim Kuniskis stated beforehand that the brand new mid-sized pick-up “will function the non secular successor to the Ram 1500 Basic, delivering an reasonably priced gateway into the Ram model”.
“For purchasers priced out of a brand new Ram 1500, this mid-sized possibility will arrive at simply the fitting time,” he added.
Including to the mannequin’s desirability issue is the very fact it will likely be constructed upon a body-on-frame building. That may give the Dakota a toe-to-toe standing with rivals from Chevrolet, Ford, and Toyota, doubtlessly reshuffling the leaderboard within the extremely worthwhile North American market.
“Each Mr Filosa and Mr Kuniskis know they must strike the fitting stability,” reported Mopar Insiders.
“If priced just like the Ford Ranger – which begins at $US33,330 ($A50,030) and goes all the way in which to $US56,070 ($A84,510) for the high-performance Raptor – the brand new Ram truck may hit the candy spot.
“Positioned appropriately, it gained’t cannibalise 1500 gross sales however as an alternative pull in new patrons who’ve been ready for an entry-level Ram.”
