RAM Trucks reaches 5,000-unit milestone

The milestone model, a Granite Crystal Grey 1500 Laramie, was completed just before Christmas as the brand celebrated its best year to date.

Close to 3,000 RAM trucks were sold in 2019; a significant increase on 2018’s total of 767 and 2017’s total of 449.

“This is truly an Australian automotive success story,” says Neville Crichton CNZM, Executive Chairman of the Ateco Group and originator of the idea to convert left-hand drive RAM Trucks to right-hand drive at the bespoke Melbourne manufacturing facility.

“Most pleasing of all, however, is the boost to the local automotive manufacturing sector, employing over 250 people directly, and many more indirectly via our local supplier agreements.”

Originating in 2013, RAM Trucks Australia grew out of Crichton’s realization that there was not only a market for RAM pickups in Australia, but also an opportunity to demonstrate that Australia could still manufacture and produce a world-class product.

At the time, some 46 different RAM convertors were in operation in Australia, with differing standards, qualities and expense. RAM Trucks entered the market with the Ateco Group and, following an assessment and selection process, awarded the Walkinshaw Group the conversion contract in 2015. RHD conversions of RAM trucks started in the same year ahead of the first sales in 2016.

The Ateco Group has since invested over $100M in tools, equipment, inventory and stock.

“The investment is significant and ongoing,” says David Smitherman, RAM Trucks Australia Special Advisor. “We have a fantastically engaged dealer network in both Australia and New Zealand, and we have exciting plans for 2020 and beyond to continue building the brand, product portfolio and network.”

Today, RAM Trucks Australia is the world’s only factory-authorised RHD manufacturer of RAM Trucks

and, since June, 2019, has also been Australia’s only 24-hour vehicle manufacturing facility.