Jump to content
Create New...
  • William Maley
    William Maley

    Ram Finally Confirms Small Cargo Van, To Be Named ProMaster City


    William Maley

    Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com

    December 2, 2013

    We've been reporting for the past few years on Ram getting a version of the Fiat Doblo to compete with the likes of the Ford Transit Connect and Nissan NV200. Well today Ram has finally confirmed that a version of Doblo would be introduced into the U.S. sometime next year wearing the ProMaster City name.

    "The Ram ProMaster City further expands the Ram Commercial truck lineup, which includes everything from vans to pickups to Class Four and Five trucks. As Ram Commercial continues to gain share and grow sales in the market, we will be aggressive in our goal of expanding our commercial vehicle offerings," said Reid Bigland, President and CEO - Ram Truck Brand, Chrysler Group LLC.

    Source: Ram

    William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected]or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

    Press Release is on Page 2


    Ram Commercial Confirms New Small Van

    December 2, 2012, Auburn Hills, Mich. - The Ram Commercial Truck division today announced that it will offer an all-new small van for the North American market.

    Joining the larger and highly capable Ram ProMaster as an additional van offering, the 2015 Ram ProMaster City will compete with small commercial and passenger vans.

    "The Ram ProMaster City further expands the Ram Commercial truck lineup, which includes everything from vans to pickups to Class Four and Five trucks," said Reid Bigland, President and CEO - Ram Truck Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. "As Ram Commercial continues to gain share and grow sales in the market, we will be aggressive in our goal of expanding our commercial vehicle offerings."

    "Our successful relationship with Fiat Professional, one of the world's foremost commercial truck manufacturers, gives Ram a competitive advantage with access to proven products and technology that will resonate with our U.S. and Canadian customers," added Bigland.

    Based on the successful Fiat Doblo, a two-time International Van of the Year winner with more than 1.3 million units sold, the Ram ProMaster City will encompass familiar Ram Truck styling cues and offer features and powertrains preferred by North American commercial customers.

    User Feedback

    Recommended Comments

    What an epic name, the small van market is heating up. I still like the new Transit more I think, but the Promaster City has the best name and almost looks like an Alfa Romeo. I wonder if it will have a diesel option. Or maybe they can do an SRT version with a Pentastar V6!

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    There is actual logical reasoning behind the Promaster nose and why it looks the way it does.

    Because its much cheaper than sheet metal? The entire nose of the van is plastic, unpainted, black, cobbled up plastic. Seriously, what's the logic?

    All these white refrigerator boxes, all intently cheaply made/looking.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    There is actual logical reasoning behind the Promaster nose and why it looks the way it does.

    Because its much cheaper than sheet metal? The entire nose of the van is plastic, unpainted, black, cobbled up plastic. Seriously, what's the logic?

    All these white refrigerator boxes, all intently cheaply made/looking.

    You'll just have to wait for my chair arm gripping review! :AH-HA:

    • Agree 2
    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    Impatiently waiting,..........

    Both are still very ugly IMHO. I agree with Balthazar that there is some cheapness going on with the all plastic nose. But knowing the idiot Socialist Republic of Euro, they probably will say it is people friendly when they get hit by the crazy drivers. Lately it all seems to boil down to what is people crash friendly.

    I wonder just how friendly it is compared to a nice looking body style.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    Why is there this weird fixation on the 'ugliness' of these vans? Van's were never meant to look 'good' or desirable. They're supposed to value function over form. Is this America's passive-aggressive way of being upset that Europe does vans better?

    PINNACLE OF COMMERCIAL AUTOMOTIVE DESIGN RIGHT HERE:

    2013-ford-econoline-wagon-e-350-super-du

    Edited by FAPTurbo
    • Agree 3
    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    Exactly!

    And the Econoline rides terribly too. The Savana/Safari aren't lookers either, but they at least have a Suburban-esque ride to them. I'll give a hint as to why the ProMaster (the big one) might sell better than you guys here expect. It is unusually nimble for its size.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    The focus for some may be that 'we're told' it doesn't cost any more money to make something aesthetically pleasing. ;)

    Others likely take issue with increasing acreage of black plastics, again which 'we're told' is 'utter cheapness'... ;)

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    I don't like the look of the ProMaster, but the City version looks pretty good. I think Ford wins in van styling, the new big Transit and the Transit Connect both look good, and I'd say are the styling leaders for full size and small vans. The Savana/Express I think will look like dinosaurs once these new Euro vans hit, these new vans might be 5-10 mpg better than the old Econolines and Savanas running around.

    Although the Sprinter is the best looking van of course, and it comes with the same 7 speed transmission you get in an S-class!

    Edited by smk4565
    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    GM needs to get their small commercial vanlet out fast. The Transit Connect is still the coolest, but the PMCity is right there with it, nearly. The CityExpress is not good looking, NV200 is absolutely woeful, plus it has a garbage CVT.

    I wonder if the Ram tiny will have two lemfs, or will it stick with one.

    I imagine the big black nose on the giant ProMaster is for quick change ease in case of an accident, perhaps it is one big assembly that comes off as a unit.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    I bet on the following, the ugly big plastic nose is for Euro spec pedestrian crash standards / ease of repair for auto crashes and probably the only way they can get at the engine for service.

    Remove the Nose, service the engine and put the nose back on again. Vans have never really had an easy service access except in the 70's when you had the huge hump inside come off so they could do an easy tune up.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites



    Join the conversation

    You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
    Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

    Guest
    Add a comment...

    ×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

      Only 75 emoji are allowed.

    ×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

    ×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

    ×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.


  • google-news-icon.png



  • google-news-icon.png

  • Subscribe to Cheers & Gears

    Cheers and Gears Logo

    Since 2001 we've brought you real content and honest opinions, not AI-generated stuff with no feeling or opinions influenced by the manufacturers.

    Please consider subscribing. Subscriptions can be as little as $1.75 a month, and a paid subscription drops most ads.*
     

    You can view subscription options here.

    *a very limited number of ads contain special coupon deals for our members and will show

  • Similar Content

  • Posts

    • Scary Times as Idiot47 kicks out people in the FDA who are working to protect our food sources. Elon Musk Foe Escorted Out of Fed Office After Refusing to Resign
    • Very interesting read and observations of what states have low scores. Map Reveals States with the Worst Reading and Math Scores - Newsweek
    • The grille is ridiculously large, the bolt on screen on the dash makes no sense.  I don't get how BMW had it's best sales year ever in 2024 when they build these ugly cars.
    • BMW for the 2026 model year of the iX SAV or Sports Activity Vehicle has stated that they have delivered a simplified design language EV with more power, range and efficency. Lets look at the options this updated EV SUV or SAV as BMW calls it offers. 2026 BMW iX models: iX xDrive45 provides 402 hp and an estimated range of up to 312 miles, 0-60 in 4.9 seconds, top speed of 124mph iX xDrive60 provides 536 hp and an estimated range of up to 340 miles, 0-60 in 4.4 seconds, top speed of 124mph iX M70 xDrive provides 650 hp and an estimated range of up to 302 miles in a performance-oriented M-specific design, 0-60 in 3.6 seconds, top speed of 155mph Base MSRPs (+$1,175 destination and handling) 2025 BMW iX xDrive45                    $75,150 2025 BMW iX xDrive60                    $88,500 2025 BMW iX M70 xDrive                $111,500 Simplified, enhanced sportiness design language on the exterior of the 2026 iX SAV. Did BMW achieve this? BMW has redesigned the headlights, turn indicators and updated the kidney grille, but is it enough to enhance the look? They say subtle diagonal lines are echoed from front to back while the front and rear aprons have a seamless design and a higher proportion of surfaces that are painted body-color. This simplified design language is paired with 20-inch alloy wheels by default but have the option of offering 21-, 22- and 23-inch wheel options. All of these aluminum wheels come with optional use aluminum inserts that help reduce drag. Interior: Progressive Luxury, Refined Sportiness BMW has for the first time offered in the iX upgraded seats that offer a wide range of adjustments, including backrest adjustments, lumbar support and pronounced contouring. This continues with upgraded Climate comfort package, to a panoramic roof and enhanced Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System, with 30 speakers and exciters in the front seats, delivers an exceptionally intense and precisely balanced sound experience. You decide as here is the visually released images: iX xDrive45 interior iX xDrive60 interior iX M70 xDrive Interior Full gallery can be viewed here: 2026 BMW iX Gallery Some updated details in regards to the EV powertrain: Net usable power by model iX xDrive45 - 100.1 kWh iX xDrive60 - 113.4 kWh iX M79 xDrive - 112.8 kWh New Heat Pump More efficient predictive heat management of the battery pack Updated optimized charging software iX xDrive45 - 175 kW top charging speed iX xDrive60 - 195 kW top charging speed iX M79 xDrive - 195 kW top charging speed Automated optimized driving and parking with Level 2+ highway assistance Enhanced Smartphone control of parking and maneuvering Parking Assistant, including Back-Up Assistant Optional Parking Assistant Professional, part of the Driving Assistant Professional Package, adds Parking View including Top View, Panorama View and 3D View, as well as the BMW Drive Recorder and Anti-Theft Recorder Display and operating system, connectivity.  Intuitive user experience and advanced digital services. BMW Maps navigation system with charging-optimized route planning Over-the-air updates: Remote Software Upgrade and BMW ConnectedDrive Upgrades Video streaming and in-car gaming on the control display Personalized user experience with BMW ID, My BMW App and personal eSIM, BMW Digital Key Plus as standard Efficient driving with the efficiency trainer BMW app Optimized 400V architecture Production of the 2026 BMW iX will begin March 2025, deliveries are expected to commence Q2 of 2025. Further details to be released closer to launch. View full article
    • To quote: Audi CEO Gernot Döllner: “Highly emotive reinterpretation of quattro” This pretty much states the drive by Audi to offer a showcase EV that covers the potential of the PPE platform. Audi developed portal axles that enable gradient climbs of up to 100% with a wider track, increased ride height that delivers on a spectacular appearance that no other EV has delivered today. The Audi Q6 Offroad features a two-motor AWD Quattro powertrain that delivers 380 kW or 510 HP. A progressive off-road stance that increases the ride height by 160mm or 6.3 inches and a wider track of 250mm or 9.8 inches over current Audi width. The new portal axles allow an increase in torque by 50 percent, enabling the Q6 Offroad to climb a 45-degree gradient with no problems. The Q6 Off-road is built off the Audi Q6 e-tron, the first model built on the PPE or Premium Platform Electric system. It is the new reference point for electrically driven Vorsprung durch Technik. The Audi Q6 model series not only excels with impressive driving and charging performance but also sets standards in range and efficiency per their press release. The Q6 e-tron offroad concept can be seen in action on February 1, 2025, at the F.A.T. Ice Race and on the social media channels of @Audi Sport. The interior is currently what is found in the Q6 e-tron. Since this is based on an existing production version EV, the Q6 Offroad could easily be put into production based on feedback from various events where Audi is going to show this off and gather attendees' response. What do you think, should this go into production? View full article
  • Who's Online (See full list)

    • There are no registered users currently online
  • My Clubs

×
×
  • Create New...

Hey there, we noticed you're using an ad-blocker. We're a small site that is supported by ads or subscriptions. We rely on these to pay for server costs and vehicle reviews.  Please consider whitelisting us in your ad-blocker, or if you really like what you see, you can pick up one of our subscriptions for just $1.75 a month or $15 a year. It may not seem like a lot, but it goes a long way to help support real, honest content, that isn't generated by an AI bot.

See you out there.

Drew
Editor-in-Chief

Write what you are looking for and press enter or click the search icon to begin your search