Ram De Mexico Will Get Fiat Strada Based Small Truck
Speculation about a Ram small truck based on the Fiat Strada has been rampant recently, and it looks like Ram is getting ready to move in that direction for the Mexican market.
A Brazilian outlet is reporting that the Strada will be sold in Mexico as the Ram 750. The 750 will be offered in both single and double cab configurations and powered by small 4-cylinder engines.
Perhaps these were the Strada mules being tested around Detroit, and there were never any plans to bring a small truck to the United States. With UNECE rules and a totally different set of market conditions (as well as no chicken tax), Mexico is a much better place to import a small, front-drive car-based pickup than the United States. Or maybe FCA will surprise us all?
More by Derek Kreindler
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@Denver Mike & Pch101--You guys are really worried about this Brazilian made Fiat trucklet coming to the US. I think you need to take a pill and relax because it will come here when pigs fly and when the Cincinnati Bengals win the Super Bowl. Not going to happen. Fiat is not going to do introduce any smaller trucks in our market unless all barriers are removed and unless other manufacturers introduce a successful small truck to our market. You are probably too young to remember but Fiat left the US market 30 years ago because of severe rust issues and a reputation for making bad cars. Haven't ever heard "Fix It Again Tony". You can buy as big a truck is you want. As a matter of fact if you have a commercial license you can buy a Peterbuilt or a Kenworth which should be as big as you need. Small trucks and real sized minivans are about as likely to happen as Congress getting along and passing meaningful legislation. Don't worry the UAW will survive until all our domestic based manufacturers start making our cars and trucks in China to get around the UAW and to lower costs.
Everyone's an expert when it comes to evil/horrid US regs/tariffs, but when these same experts are asked how EU regs/tariffs are less so, they suddenly claim to be ignorant on the whole topic.
@DenverMike--It would be better if global standards were adopted by all the major industrial nations. As for tariffs and regulations every country has them. It is silly and wasteful to have a vehicle like the Transit imported with seats and then remove them before they can be sold to get around a tariff. The same with emission standards on diesels it would be better to agree on one global standard. You and others talk about profitability and costs--global standards would lower costs and increase profitability. If the consumer has to be forced to take one or two choices on interior colors and limited exterior colors then at least standardize safety and emissions standards and pass the savings on to the consumer. As for the marketability of a certain size truck or car that is up to the manufacturers but I do not want to force a choice on any consumer. If a consumer finds a competitive product that better meets their needs and it is not from Ford, GM, or Fiat-Chrysler then they should be allowed to make that choice.
This Strada wouldn´t work in USA, the interior is way too cheap and its carrying capacity is pathetic. Maybe the next generation which should be ready in a couple of years.