Keen to pick up an All-American

First it was Ford with its F-series range of light trucks. Now DaimlerChrysler is looking at bringing in another all-American pick-up - the Dodge Ram.

The first model could arrive in New Zealand before the end of the year, if DaimlerChrysler approves the conversion to right-hand-drive.

The big Dodge was unveiled at the Mystery Creek Fieldays. "We decided to get some feedback from the public and Fieldays provided the ideal opportunity," said Brett Aspden, general manager for Chrysler Jeep New Zealand.

"The exercise was very encouraging. The Ram made a huge impression and there appears to be no shortage of willing buyers."

The Dodge Ram range recently underwent a complete overhaul in America. The long-nose bonnet is more pronounced and the trademark horsecollar grille is both taller and wider.

There are three model sizes - 1500, 2500 and 3500 - and three body styles: standard cab with bench seating for three, extended cab with occasional rear seating and quad cab with full-size rear seating.

Engine options include 3.7-litre V6, 4.7-litre and 5.9-litre V8 petrol units and a V8 diesel. Rams come with rear-wheel-drive as standard and the option of four-wheel-drive.

Chrysler Jeep NZ is looking to start with the Ram 1500 - a quad-cab, powered by the 185kW (248 bhp) 5.9-litre V8 engine, with automatic transmission and four-wheel-drive, leather upholstery and air-conditioning.