Ram to Launch New Mid-Sized Truck in 2028 as Stellantis Boosts US Production
After halting the production of the Dodge/Ram Dakota in 2011, Stellantis observed the growing popularity of mid-size pickups but remained absent from the segment. Now, the company has revealed plans to develop a new mid-size Ram truck, set to begin manufacturing in Toledo, Ohio, by 2028, as part of a substantial $13 billion investment in its US operations.
Better late than never.
Production Plans
Stellantis has designated its Toledo, Ohio plant—currently home to the Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator—as the manufacturing site for the new mid-size pickup. This move suggests that the upcoming truck will feature a traditional body-on-frame design, directly competing with models like the Ford Ranger, Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon, and Toyota Tacoma, rather than adopting a unibody approach seen in vehicles such as the Honda Ridgeline or Hyundai Santa Cruz.
Originally, Stellantis intended to produce this mid-size truck at the recently closed Belvidere, Illinois plant. However, the company has decided to reopen the facility in 2027 to manufacture the new Jeep Cherokee and Compass, the latter of which had not been previously confirmed for the US market. Additionally, Stellantis announced plans to develop a new large internal combustion and range-extended electric SUV in Warren, Michigan, and to start building a new Durango in Detroit by 2029.
"This investment in the US—the largest in our company's history—will drive our growth, strengthen our manufacturing footprint, and create more American jobs in the states we call home," stated Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa. "As we embark on our next century, we are placing the customer at the heart of our strategy, expanding our vehicle lineup, and giving them the freedom to choose the products they want and love."
These initiatives are part of Filosa's strategy to rectify past mistakes at Stellantis. Under his predecessor, Carlos Tavares, the company discontinued beloved V-8 models, launched lackluster electric vehicles, and struggled to elevate the Jeep brand to a more premium market. Filosa appears to be taking positive steps, including the reintroduction of the Ram 1500 V-8 and the upcoming Cherokee and Compass models.
Despite these positive developments, the fact that the mid-size pickup is not expected until 2028 and the new Durango even later indicates that Stellantis still has a significant journey ahead to establish a strong presence in the competitive mid-size truck market.
