[ad_1]
Ram Vehicles Australia posted one other record-breaking month in November – by way of each native right-hand drive remanufacturing, and retail gross sales.
The newly expanded Melbourne Manufacturing Facility – run by Walkinshaw – tasked with re-engineering Rams to right-hand drive, pumped out 900 of the model’s pickups in November.
In the meantime its seller community delivered 710 Rams total, together with 655 of the volume-selling Ram 1500 with its Hemi V8 petrol engine, and 55 models of the much more huge Ram 2500 and 3500 heavy responsibility haulers.
This retail determine means the Ram 1500 outsold smaller and cheaper 4×4 ute rivals such because the Nissan Navara (468) for the month.
The continuing robust outcomes have given Ram Vehicles, a part of the worldwide Stellantis community, the idea that Australia will turn into an ever-larger supply of its US-focused workhorses.
Head of Ram Worldwide Bob Graczyk, who visited Melbourne just lately to see the expanded manufacturing facility, stated demand had “fully exceeded our expectations”.
“After we first appeared into the enterprise alternative 7 years in the past and requested how massive the market may very well be, no-one actually knew what to anticipate, possibly 3000, 4000 – maybe 5000 models,” he stated.
“… 10,000 autos is now real looking – who is aware of, we might go as much as 15 or 20,000 models. The acceptance of full-size pick-up vans by Australians is simply phenomenal.”
Yr-to-date, Ram vans has bought 5520 autos, up 54.3 per cent, placing it on observe to eclipse 6000 for the 12 months. This YTD tally locations it forward of the likes of Hino and Land Rover, whereas its November outcome positioned it forward of Jeep, a fellow Stellantis model.
MORE: Ram Vehicles boss praises regionally transformed RHD fashions
When you think about the most cost effective Ram truck is the $82,590 DS Specific, and the costliest is the $199,950 Ram 1500 TRX with its supercharged V8, this determine turns into much more noteworthy.
Over the identical interval, rival Chevrolet – bought by Basic Motors Particular Autos (GMSV) and transformed at one other newly-opened Walkinshaw facility in Melbourne – has delivered 2045 Silverados.
GMSV has notched up 5000 Chevrolet Silverado right-hand drive conversions for Australian and New Zealand patrons after two years – and expects a “vital enhance” in throughput going ahead as demand for American pickups explodes.
Ram Vehicles Australia, owned by automobile distributor Ateco, calls itself the world’s solely Ram-authorised producer of RHD Ram vans – citing its direct relationship with the USA headquarters.
All Ram Vehicles Australia pickups come right here as left-hand drive however are international-spec autos, uniquely coded for the native market. The corporate claims to make use of 641 Australians, and says every RHD-converted Ram pickup has between 361 and 465 new elements.
“There are vital native provide chain advantages of this fast-growing automobile phase,” it provides.
Given Ram and Chevy’s success, different rivals are leaping into the fray. Toyota Australia has a plan to promote regionally re-engineered Tundras right here within the close to future, with their point-of-difference being the hybrid engine.
Not one to overlook out on a burgeoning market with excessive revenue margins, Ford can also be bringing regionally transformed F-150s right here subsequent 12 months in partnership with RMA Automotive at a facility in Mickleham, Victoria.
Australians are merely head-over-heels in love with these heavy haulers whether or not they actually want them, or simply need them.
MORE: Ram Vehicles’ gross sales booming in Australia
MORE: State of play – full-size American pickups in Australia
[ad_2]
Source link