Chrysler’s 2013 Ram 1500 to make ‘fuel economy’ new battleground for pickups

Chrysler’s 2013 Ram 1500 to make ‘fuel economy’ new battleground for pickupsIn what apparently will set a new standard for the gas-guzzling pickup trucks and make ‘fuel economy’ a new battleground for the stuff-hauling vehicles, Chrysler Group LLC has said in a recent disclosure that three trim lines of its 2013 Ram 1500 will be capable of achieving 25 miles per gallon (mpg) on the highway.

According to Chrysler’s claims, its all-new 2013 Ram 1500 pickup will surpass the fuel efficiency of the competing trucks – the most notable competitors being Ford Motor’s F-150, and General Motors’ (GM) Chevrolet Silverado – when equipped with an 8-speed transmission, active grille shutters, and an automatic start-stop system.

Revealing that ‘fuel economy’ was “the number one priority” – rather than towing ability, horsepower or torque – while redesigning the Ram 1500, Bob Hegbloom, who runs Chrysler’s Ram brand, said that ‘better fuel efficiency’ was being demanded by customers.

However, till the time the new Ram lineup goes on sale in the US, apparently in October, Ford has a leading edge in so far as ‘fuel economy’ is concerned; with the company’s V6 F-150 getting 23 mpg on the highway and 19 combined.

Meanwhile, noting that the Ram 1500 would still face an uphill task against Ford and GM pickup trucks even with an improved offering, Dan Edmunds - Edmunds. com director of vehicle testing – reasoned that pickup truck customers have fierce brand loyalty, and said that even though new Ram 1500 lineup will be “a good solid product,” it was difficult to say whether the Chrysler pickup will be able to “overcome years of brand loyalty.”