Declaring Chrysler was not letting up on its “commercial vehicle market offensive,” Joe Veltri, director of truck product marketing, described a range of enhancements to all Dodge commercial vehicles at a news conference at the NTEA Work Truck Show.
“Our new owners [of Chrysler] are committed to keeping us strong in this market,” Veltri declared right off. “Since our return to this market in 2003, we have launched six vehicles — the Ram 2500 Box-Off; Ram 3500, 4500 and 5500 chassis cabs; the Sprinter; and the Grand Caravan Cargo Van.
According to Veltri, a long list of upgrades and enhancements can either be credited to 2008 models or are planned for 2009 models:
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Fuel economy performance for 2008 Dodge Ram 4500 and 5500 chassis cabs is 23% better than competitors' models.
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2008 Dodge Sprinter offers 25% better fuel economy than other vans.
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2008 Dodge Ram 4500 and 5500 chassis cabs certified for up to 1,172 lbs.
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2009 Dodge Ram 3500 chassis cab standard GCWR increased to 24,000 lbs.
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Power take-off (PTO) pump ratings for all Ram chassis cabs increased 55%.
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PTO prep package now available with Laramie trim-level trucks.
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All-new ambulance prep package introduced for 2009 Dodge Ram 4500 and 5500 chassis cabs.
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Upgraded brake system for 2009 Dodge Ram 3500 chassis cab extends service intervals and delivers maximum stopping power.
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New 5.7L HEMI V8 with Variable Valve Timing delivers increased horsepower and torque ratings with improved fuel economy.
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Cummins 6.7L diesel engine available with Remote Start (automatic only).
Veltri also noted that for small business owners, the 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan Cargo Van is optimized with a number of new factory upfit options. These include a new exterior vinyl window shading that can be applied to the outside window; both full- and half-width cargo dividers; wire mesh and solid metal window interior inserts; a cargo compartment floor mat; and carpeted and molded wall liners placed over the inside of the windows so others can't see inside.
Looking ahead, Veltri told Fleet Owner that Dodge will offer a new Cummins light-duty diesel — “being developed even as we speak” — sometime after the 2009 model year, and a hybrid-powered Ram 1500 half-ton pickup is in the works for the 2010 model year.
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