Latest news with #ProMaster
Miami Herald
30-06-2025
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
Ram Passenger Van Return Teased by Tim Kuniskis in 2025
After just seven months in retirement, Tim Kuniskis returned to running Stellantis' Ram truck brand earlier this year. So far, he's made his presence known. But in a recent interview with CNBC, Kuniskis said there's much more on the way-including a possible return to passenger vans. Kuniskis plans to make more than 25 announcements through next year. So far those have included the return of Hemi V8 to the Ram 1500 pickup truck, the brand's entry into the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, and impressive powertrain warranties. Kuniskis told CNBC that further announcements could encompass some new models, potentially including a passenger van. Kuniskis didn't provide any details on the potential passenger van, but the most obvious route to take would be adding more seats to the current Ram ProMaster. While it's only sold as a cargo van and in a "crew" configuration with second-row seats for occasional use, the ProMaster's Fiat Ducato cousin is sold in Europe as a passenger van. Cargo vans converted to passenger vans have been the default for Ram in the past, and for Dodge before the truck and van lines were split off into the separate Ram brand. The smaller ProMaster City (another Fiat derivative) was available in both passenger and cargo configurations before it was discontinued in 2022, making it the last Ram passenger van sold in the U.S. to date. A passenger conversion of a cargo van would fill a hole in Ram's current lineup. The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, Ford Transit, and even General Motors' ancient Chevrolet Express and GMC Savanna are all available in both passenger and cargo-carrying configurations. The electric Volkswagen is somewhat smaller than these full-size vans, but also fits that template, although the cargo version isn't sold in the U.S. Kuniskis' flurry of announcements is meant to help Ram get its groove back. The truck brand's sales have declined 38% since their peak in 2019, it plummeted down the rankings in the latest J.D. Power Initial Quality Study, and has continually delayed its first all-electric and plug-in hybrid pickups. New products will help Ram compete in more market segments and make the brand's success less reliant on its full-size and heavy-duty pickups. Ram has already confirmed a midsize pickup truck for 2027, but other than that, it's been vague on what might be in the pipeline. If Kuniskis keeps up the current pace of announcements, though, we'll find out soon enough. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Auto Blog
30-06-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
Ram Passenger Van Return Teased by Tim Kuniskis in 2025
Un-Retired CEO Tim Kuniskis Is Mulling It Over After just seven months in retirement, Tim Kuniskis returned to running Stellantis' Ram truck brand earlier this year. So far, he's made his presence known. But in a recent interview with CNBC, Kuniskis said there's much more on the way—including a possible return to passenger vans. Kuniskis plans to make more than 25 announcements through next year. So far those have included the return of Hemi V8 to the Ram 1500 pickup truck, the brand's entry into the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, and impressive powertrain warranties. Kuniskis told CNBC that further announcements could encompass some new models, potentially including a passenger van. Previous Pause Next Unmute 0:00 / 0:09 Full screen Chevrolet says a next-gen Camaro is still possible. What could it look like? Watch More What Form Would A Passenger Van Take? Kuniskis didn't provide any details on the potential passenger van, but the most obvious route to take would be adding more seats to the current Ram ProMaster. While it's only sold as a cargo van and in a 'crew' configuration with second-row seats for occasional use, the ProMaster's Fiat Ducato cousin is sold in Europe as a passenger van. Cargo vans converted to passenger vans have been the default for Ram in the past, and for Dodge before the truck and van lines were split off into the separate Ram brand. The smaller ProMaster City (another Fiat derivative) was available in both passenger and cargo configurations before it was discontinued in 2022, making it the last Ram passenger van sold in the U.S. to date. A passenger conversion of a cargo van would fill a hole in Ram's current lineup. The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, Ford Transit, and even General Motors' ancient Chevrolet Express and GMC Savanna are all available in both passenger and cargo-carrying configurations. The electric Volkswagen is somewhat smaller than these full-size vans, but also fits that template, although the cargo version isn't sold in the U.S. Rethinking Ram Kuniskis' flurry of announcements is meant to help Ram get its groove back. The truck brand's sales have declined 38% since their peak in 2019, it plummeted down the rankings in the latest J.D. Power Initial Quality Study, and has continually delayed its first all-electric and plug-in hybrid pickups. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. New products will help Ram compete in more market segments and make the brand's success less reliant on its full-size and heavy-duty pickups. Ram has already confirmed a midsize pickup truck for 2027, but other than that, it's been vague on what might be in the pipeline. If Kuniskis keeps up the current pace of announcements, though, we'll find out soon enough. About the Author Stephen Edelstein View Profile
Motor 1
27-06-2025
- Automotive
- Motor 1
Ram Could Start Making Passenger Vans
After just seven months in retirement, Tim Kuniskis came back to run the Ram brand, and already he's left a mark. He confirmed the brand is working on a new mid-size pickup to arrive in 2027, delayed the all-electric Rev pickup, reintroduced the Hemi V-8 for its half-ton truck, introduced a segment-leading powertrain warranty, and brought the brand to NASCAR in the Truck series. Now, he's teasing something unexpected—a new passenger van. In an interview with CNBC on Ram's (and his) comeback, Kuniskis teased the possibility of a passenger van while also mentioning the previously announced mid-sizer. Kuniskis said the brand has over 25 announcements planned through the end of 2026. The 2024 Ram ProMaster EV. Ram already sells a van in the form of the Promaster, but only as a cargo van with a maximum of two rows of seating in "Crew" configuration. Fiat offers the Promaster's European cousin, the Ducato, as a passenger van. Ram also previously sold the smaller Promaster City as a passenger van before discontinuing the model entirely in 2022. But, perhaps Kuniskis is thinking about something more like a minivan. We've reached out to the brand for more info. Since 2019, Ram has faced a 39% overall sales decline, and the all-important 1500 lost significant market share in the half-ton pickup class. All of this comes amidst wider struggles at Stellantis, which is attempting to turn things around after the disastrous tenure of former CEO Carlos Tavares. CNBC argues that Ram is one of Stellantis' most important brands, if not the most important, because of the profitability of pickup trucks. Right now, there are only three players in the commercial passenger van segment—Ford with the Transit, Mercedes with the Sprinter, and GM with the Chevy Express and GMC Savanna. The minivan segment is stronger, with the Chrysler Pacifica, Honda Odyssey, Kia Carnival, Toyota Sienna, and Volkswagen More on Ram Ram Lengthened Its Warranty Because We're Keeping Cars Longer Than Ever The Hemi V-8 Is Back: 'We Screwed Up,' Says Ram CEO Get the best news, reviews, columns, and more delivered straight to your inbox, daily. back Sign up For more information, read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use . Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )
Yahoo
23-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Ford isn't going to love RAM's new warranty offering
Ford isn't going to love RAM's new warranty offering originally appeared on Autoblog. Starting with the 2026 model year, RAM is doubling down on its comeback strategy by offering something no other full-size truck brand does: a 10-year or 100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty. That's right—twice the current coverage on gas-powered RAM trucks, and a full five years longer than what Ford and GM currently offer. It's not just the half-ton RAM 1500 that's getting the extra protection. The new warranty extends to heavy-duty 2500 and 3500 models, chassis cab trucks, and even the ProMaster commercial van. Buyers of the off-road-ready Power Wagon and high-performance RHO also qualify. The only real exclusions? Fleet buyers and the all-electric ProMaster EV. That means for individual buyers, whether purchasing or leasing, this warranty could be a serious reason to reconsider a Ford F-150 or Chevy Silverado. So why the sudden move? According to RAM CEO Tim Kuniskis, the answer is simple: consumer behavior has shifted. Today's truck buyers are financing over longer terms and holding onto their vehicles longer than ever—12.6 years on average. Yet no truck brand has changed its warranty to reflect that reality. 'We think this gives people a real reason to switch,' Kuniskis said. And he's not wrong. Truck buyers are famously brand-loyal, with roughly 75–80% sticking with the same make when they buy again. But loyalty can shift if one brand clearly takes better care of its owners, especially in the long haul. Offering a longer warranty also sends a strong message: RAM believes in the durability of its new powertrains. That includes the returning 5.7-liter HEMI V-8, now offered once again as an option on the 2026 RAM 1500, and the twin-turbo Hurricane inline-six that debuted just last year. RAM is coming off a rocky year. The 2025 RAM 1500 launch hit production delays, early trims were priced too high, and removing the V-8 left a bad taste for longtime fans. But the brand is attempting to turn the page. Under new leadership, including Kuniskis' return from retirement, RAM has slashed prices, brought back the HEMI, and even announced a NASCAR comeback for 2026. The company has also rolled out a new marketing push with the tagline 'Nothing Stops RAM'. This warranty announcement isn't just a sales gimmick; it's part of a larger turnaround strategy designed to restore consumer confidence and boost conquest sales. Ford and Chevy now face a choice: match RAM's warranty or risk looking second-best in a segment where perception matters as much as specs. So far, neither has hinted at making a similar move. That leaves RAM as the sole brand offering a decade of peace of mind on core powertrain components: engine, transmission, transfer case, driveshafts, and axles. And in a world where trucks now cost as much as some luxury cars, that could be a powerful differentiator. If Ford and GM aren't worried yet, they probably should be. Ford isn't going to love RAM's new warranty offering first appeared on Autoblog on Jun 22, 2025 This story was originally reported by Autoblog on Jun 22, 2025, where it first appeared.
Miami Herald
22-06-2025
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
Ford isn't going to love RAM's new warranty offering
Starting with the 2026 model year, RAM is doubling down on its comeback strategy by offering something no other full-size truck brand does: a 10-year or 100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty. That's right-twice the current coverage on gas-powered RAM trucks, and a full five years longer than what Ford and GM currently offer. It's not just the half-ton RAM 1500 that's getting the extra protection. The new warranty extends to heavy-duty 2500 and 3500 models, chassis cab trucks, and even the ProMaster commercial van. Buyers of the off-road-ready Power Wagon and high-performance RHO also qualify. The only real exclusions? Fleet buyers and the all-electric ProMaster EV. That means for individual buyers, whether purchasing or leasing, this warranty could be a serious reason to reconsider a Ford F-150 or Chevy Silverado. So why the sudden move? According to RAM CEO Tim Kuniskis, the answer is simple: consumer behavior has shifted. Today's truck buyers are financing over longer terms and holding onto their vehicles longer than ever-12.6 years on average. Yet no truck brand has changed their warranty to reflect that reality. "We think this gives people a real reason to switch," Kuniskis said. And he's not wrong. Truck buyers are famously brand-loyal, with roughly 75–80% sticking with the same make when they buy again. But loyalty can shift if one brand clearly takes better care of its owners-especially in the long haul. Offering a longer warranty also sends a strong message: RAM believes in the durability of its new powertrains. That includes the returning 5.7-liter HEMI V-8, now offered once again as an option on the 2026 RAM 1500, and the twin-turbo Hurricane inline-six that debuted just last year. RAM is coming off a rocky year. The 2025 RAM 1500 launch hit production delays, early trims were priced too high, and removing the V-8 left a bad taste for longtime fans. But the brand is attempting to turn the page. Under new leadership, including Kuniskis' return from retirement, RAM has slashed prices, brought back the HEMI, and even announced a NASCAR comeback for 2026. The company has also rolled out a new marketing push with the tagline "Nothing Stops RAM". This warranty announcement isn't just a sales gimmick; it's part of a larger turnaround strategy designed to restore consumer confidence and boost conquest sales. Ford and Chevy now face a choice: match RAM's warranty or risk looking second-best in a segment where perception matters as much as specs. So far, neither has hinted at making a similar move. That leaves RAM as the sole brand offering a decade of peace of mind on core powertrain components: engine, transmission, transfer case, driveshafts, and axles. And in a world where trucks now cost as much as some luxury cars, that could be a powerful differentiator. If Ford and GM aren't worried yet, they probably should be. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
