2014 Ram 1500 Tradesman/express on 2040-cars

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Chrysler earns $1.7B in 2012, revises product plans for US

Hot on the heels of Ford's earnings announcement for the year that was, Chrysler today reported a 2012 net income of $1.7 billion, up substantially from the comparatively minuscule $183 million profit earned in 2011 when it repaid its US government loans.
Chrysler's good year ended with an excellent fourth quarter that saw net income rise 68 percent from $225 million in 2011 to $378 million. Where are all those extra earnings coming from? Market share, which Chrysler saw increase to 11.4% last year on sales of 1.65 million vehicles. In fact, the Auburn Hills, MI-based automaker out-paced the industry's market growth of 13 percent last year with sales up 21 percent for the year.
The company also revealed an updated product plan for its Chrysler Group and Fiat brands that looks all the way out to 2016. It's an updated version of the plan introduced in 2009 shortly after Fiat took control of the American automaker, and includes such new additions as an Alfa Romeo model, likely the 4C, to be introduced in the US this year, as well five more Alfa models by 2016. Likewise, Fiat will be growing by an additional seven models in the coming few years.

Ram 1500 Texas Ranger Concept celebrates brand's law-enforcement partnership

While the auto industry's eyes are fixed on New York for its annual extravaganza at the Javits Center, Ram is making an end-around play. The truck maker is showing a new concept at the 2015 Dallas Auto Show based on the company's long-running partnership with the Texas Rangers (the lawmen, not the baseball team). Exterior changes to the 1500 are kept rather light, with badging inspired by the Rangers' iconic badges fitted to the front fenders and tailgate. The Rangers' badge is also found at the center of each 20-inch alloy wheel. As for the white/silver color scheme, it "embodies the white hats and silver badges that the good guys always wear." Starting with the handsome Canyon Brown and Tan leather of the Laramie Longhorn, Ram designers fitted four, five-peso coins to the door inserts. Texas Rangers' badges have long been hewn from the limited-issue Mexican currency, hence its inclusion in the 1500. The coins in the front door show "heads" and the back door coins are flipped to "tails." Adding to the unique touches, a prominent Texas Rangers' badge sits over the center console and is also embossed in the leather seatbacks. Even the dash cluster's display shows the Rangers' badge upon startup. Ram and the Texas Rangers formed their partnership back in 2014, with the truck maker "aiding the preservation of the history of the renowned law-enforcement organization," the company said in its press release. You can check out the full gallery of images, which include plenty of updated interior shots, above. As for Ram's press release, that is, as usual, available below. Related Video: Ram Unveils Texas Ranger Concept Truck Ram Texas Ranger concept follows 2014 partnership announcement Iconic Texas Ranger badges highlight Ram's interior and exterior design Western-themed trucks dominate Ram lineup in Lone Star State March 25, 2015 , Dallas - The Ram Truck brand today unveiled a one-of-a-kind Texas Ranger concept truck to commemorate and promote the brand's partnership with the renowned law-enforcement agency and the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum. Introduced by Ram Truck Brand President and CEO Bob Hegbloom at the 2015 Dallas Auto Show, the Ram Texas Ranger concept truck brings the legendary spirit of the Rangers to the road.

Superman-themed Ram Power Wagon hits the block for charity

If you were tired of seeing Batman get all the cool cars while your favorite superhero was left to his own considerable devices, you may have been intrigued when Chrysler unveiled a special Ram Power Wagon last summer. Tied in to the premier of Man of Steel, the unique truck packed a blueish-grey vinyl wrap (textured like Superman's outfit), gloss-black accents, anodized red trim, 17-inch alloys and an interior decked out with Superman logos.
It was a nice tribute to the superest of superheros, but Ram only made the one, and it wasn't offered for sale. That is, at least, until now. With the movie's debut now long behind us, the one-off Power Wagon is being auctioned off to benefit LA Family Housing, a charity dedicated to helping disadvantaged families in Southern California.
Citing our favorite car site, the online auction page places the donated vehicle's value at $112,674, but bidding as we go to press currently stands at $47,500 with three days remaining. Head on over to Charity Buzz to help out a worthwhile cause and give yourself the chance to get your hands on a one-of-a-kind vehicle and piece of cinematic history.