Today, Dodge and Ram are two separate brands owned by Stellantis. However, this was not always the case. Some people may remember the Dodge Ram. But why did the two brands split up and what is the difference between Dodge and Ram?
The beginning
The history of the Dodge brand goes back to the early 20th century. According to Scott Evans Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, Dodge was founded in 1900. At the time, it was an independent company rather than a brand under the umbrella of a major manufacturer. This changed in 1928 when Chrysler bought Dodge. It has remained a brand under Chrysler and subsequent companies leading to today, where it is part of Stellantis.
So, where does Aries fit in? It all started with a vehicle known as the Dodge Ram. Deery of Ames states that Dodge released the Dodge Ram full-size pickup truck in 1981. After this initial release, it became a staple of the Dodge range, and several trucks and vans under the Dodge Ram name followed.
This changed in 2009. According to Green Dodge, Dodge’s parent company has decided to split Dodge and Ram. Beginning in the 2010 model year, trucks became known as Ram instead of Dodge Ram.
Current Differences Between Dodge and Ram
Ram started out as Dodge Ram before Chrysler decided it was best to split the two brands. Despite this name change, one thing is no different: they are still brands from the same parent company. After several rounds of restructuring, Stellantis gained control of several other brands, including Chrysler, Jeep and Fiat.
Since Dodge and Ram are different brands, their logos are also different. The image of the ram was once associated with all Dodge vehicles, but now the Dodge logo is two red stripes. Meanwhile, Ram has adopted the iconic ram image as its logo.
The main difference between the brands is the type of vehicles produced. This was the main reason why the brands were separated, as their vehicles serve different audiences.
Dodge is known for performance cars like the Challenger and Charger that are marketed to muscle car enthusiasts and other speed oriented drivers. Ram continues to manufacture trucks and commercial vehicles and is sold to drivers who need heavy work vehicles.
Models today
Since the brands separated, their vehicles have focused on the niches of each brand. For Dodge, this means sporty performance cars; for Ram, this means trucks and similar vehicles.
According to Dodge, the current Dodge lineup consists of three vehicles. The two best-known Dodge cars currently in production are the Charger and Challenger, both muscle cars. The third vehicle in the Dodge range is the Dodge Durango, a mid-sized SUV. While an SUV may seem more appropriate as a Ram under the current brand division, the Durango is more for everyday driving than work.
Ram lists eight vehicles for the brand’s current lineup. This lineup includes six trucks: the Ram 1500, Ram 1500 Classic, Ram 1500 TRX, Ram 2500, Ram 3500 and Ram Chassis Cab. The Ram Chassis Cab is explicitly designed as a construction site truck. The last two Ram vehicles are the Ram Promaster and Ram Promaster City, both commercial vans.
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