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2019 Ram 1500 spotted with split tailgate

A little over three years ago, we discovered a patent from Fiat-Chrysler that showed a pickup truck tailgate that not only dropped down like a normal one, but was also split into two swing-out halves. It appears to be a reality now, since one of the Ram 1500 prototypes shown above has just such a tailgate. The tailgate above does look a bit different from the one shown in the patent drawings. For one thing, it's not a 50/50 split in the middle. Instead, Ram seems to have opted for something like a 60/40, or maybe 70/30 split. We're not sure exactly why this is, but there could be a few advantages. For one, It probably allows for the use of the same or nearly the same handle as on conventional Rams, as well as the same badging. For another, if the tailgate operates as described in the patent, it might be possible to open just one side without opening the other, and having the shorter piece could offer some flexibility in tight areas where a larger half couldn't open fully. Testing alongside the split tailgate truck were some other Ram 1500s that had their tailgates completely covered. They did reveal some other cargo management features that should show up on the production truck, such as a return of the RamBox bedside storage compartments. One of the trucks also revealed some ribbed bedsides that would allow the positioning of a cargo divider just about anywhere in the bed. We expect to see the new Ram 1500 to be fully revealed at the Detroit Auto Show in January. In the meantime, you can check out what we believe the production truck will look like, as well as everything we know about it, here. Related Video:

May 2016: FCA wins, Ford and GM stumble on weak car volumes

The May 2016 sales numbers are in, and it looks as though FCA is getting some vindication for boldly cancelling two slow-selling car models. Meanwhile, Ford saw overall sales dip and GM's May volume took a big dive versus the same month in 2015. While Marchionne's decision to axe the Chrysler 200 and Dodge Dart has drawn criticism as being short-sighted, it's working for FCA so far. Although the Dart and 200 aren't out of production yet and no capacity has been shifted to crossover or trucks, May's numbers show that the emphasis on Jeep and Ram models makes sense right now. FCA's US sales rose 1 percent last month compared to May 2015, putting the year-to-date total at 955,186 vehicles, an increase of 6 percent compared to the same period last year. Standouts included the Jeep Renegade, Compass, and Patriot, and the Fiat 500X. Ram pickup sales were down 3 percent. And your fun fact is that Alfa Romeo sales were up precisely 10 percent, for a total of 44 4Cs sold versus 40 in the same month last year. At FoMoCo, the Ford brand took a hit to the tune of 6.4 percent from May 2015 to 2016, registering 226,190 sales last month. Lincoln showed improvement on its modest numbers, going from 9,174 to 9,807, a 6.9 percent increase. Overall, Ford was down 5.9 percent for the month to 235,997; despite the slump, year-to-date total Ford sales are up 4.2 percent to 1,112,939. Strong sellers included Escape, Expedition, F-Series, and Transit - big stuff. Most small and/or efficient models (Fiesta, Focus, Fusion, C-Max) saw sales slides. Fusion sales were also down, likely due to effects of model changeover to the freshened 2017 model. Ford has promised four new crossovers and SUVs by 2020 and if things keep trending this way the company will be able to sell them, but things could change in the next four years. GM saw the worst of it for domestic brands. Retail and fleet sales were down for each of the four divisions, with the May 2016 total dropping 18 percent to 240,450 vehicles. GM's year-to-date sales are down 5.0 percent in 2016 to 1,183,705. Both the Sierra and Silverado were down significantly, and the majority of Chevy, Buick, GMC, and Cadillac nameplates saw sales decreases, with both small cars and larger utilities included. Not even big stuff could help GM this month, it seems. We'll have more on the rest of the industry's May sales as those figures trickle in.

2015 Ram Laramie Limited brings more luxury, tweaked style to Chicago

Once upon a time, the Chicago Auto Show was where truck manufacturers chose to introduce their wares. New HD truck? Go to Chicago. Entry level, midsize pickup? Chicago. Flagship dually? Chicago. While that's far from a rule nowadays, Ram still looked to the Windy City to introduce the new version of its flagship trim – the Laramie Limited. Featured in light-duty 1500, heavy-duty 2500 and I-need-to-tow-Australia 3500 bodies, the Laramie Limited is the latest proof that pickups are no longer limited to work, but are proper luxury vehicles in their own right. To reflect this, Ram has upholstered the Laramie Limited's cabin in gorgeous black Natura Plus leather. We're pretty fond of the Graystone piping on the seats, while the pinstripe theme found throughout on the Black Argento wood and contrast stitching certainly ups the styling ante. The center stack is home to most of the cabin's brightwork, with K-black Dark Metallic paint, while LED accent lighting is found throughout. Ram was liberal with the application of Liquid Graphite finishes, adding it to the center stack's bezels and the gauges and needles in the handsome instrument cluster. For the exterior, Ram has thrown the whole idea of subtlety out the window. There's plenty of inspiration from the Ram Rebel that was shown at the 2015 Detroit Auto Show, only instead of the dark finishes of that vehicle, the Laramie Limited features lots, and lots of chrome. Like the Rebel, the flagship truck gets a restyled grille, complete with a domineering "RAM" badge, although the nose of the Laramie Limited is nothing compared to its tailgate. The rear of the truck is home to an enormous, 20-inch wide "RAM" badge that the company hilariously explains away in its press release, saying it's there "so onlookers can clearly identify the truck." Okay. Beyond the borderline obnoxious badges, Ram has finished the front and rear bumpers and mirror caps in chrome, and opted for a stylish dark housing for the halogen-only headlights. Those units crown LED turn signals, while the taillamps are straight LED throughout. We have an extensive gallery of images detailing the new Laramie Limited, and you can bet that we'll be complementing the official shots with live images from the floor of the 2015 Chicago Auto Show. Until then, head into Comments and let us know what you think of Ram's not-so-subtle flagship.