2018 Ram 3500 St on 2040-cars

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FCA plants skipping summer shutdown to keep up with demand

Hopefully, some FCA US factory employees don't have big plans for the usual summer shutdown, because the automaker is keeping several plants running this year. Demand is so high that the company wants to keep models rolling off the assembly lines. Four FCA US assembly plants, all the engine factories, and some locations that build transmissions are staying open throughout the summer, according to the Detroit Free Press. Usually, these sites would see a two-week shutdown for the company to retool and perform repairs. This year, factories are staying open for FCA to support its strong sales. The lines that remaining humming through the summer show an inclination toward the automaker's popular SUV's and crossovers. They include the Jefferson North Assembly Plant in Michigan that builds the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango; Saltillo Van Assembly in Mexico that constructs the Ram ProMaster; Toledo Assembly Complex in Ohio that produces the Cherokee and Wrangler; and Toluca Assembly in Mexico that makes the Dodge Journey and Fiat 500. Related Video: News Source: The Detroit Free PressImage Credit: Bill Pugliano / Getty Images Plants/Manufacturing Dodge Fiat Jeep RAM FCA dodge journey fca us ram promaster Jefferson North Assembly Plant

2019 Ram 1500 Tradesman shows off its simple lights

Each time a spy photographer has caught the 2019 Ram 1500 pickup running around, it's always had the same style of lights and grilles. This time, one of our photographers caught two Rams that have noticeably different versions of those body parts. The first one shown above has the same grille we've already seen. The difference is that the flashy LED-accented headlights are gone. Instead, it uses much simpler, more conventional reflector-style headlights. That doesn't mean Ram hasn't taken the time to give them a little flair, though. The lamps are divided such that the upper element lines up with the upper portion of the grille, and the lower portion with the grille bars and lower opening. The taillights are much simpler, too, also using a reflector setup and very clear lenses. These plain headlights lead us to believe that this is a base-model 1500 Tradesman. The second Ram shown has its lights well-covered, but the grille is exposed, and it's also different from past prototypes. It has a wavy mesh pattern in the grille openings rather than slats. The crossbar design remains, though. This different grille also confirms that Ram will offer appearance variations to distinguish models. We're not sure if this is a higher-level or lower-level trim, though. We would have a better idea if we could see the lights. All our questions should be answered soon, since the new Ram 1500 will be fully revealed next week at the Detroit Auto Show. Then we'll see all the grilles and headlights and their associated trims as they were meant to be. Related Video:

2016 Ram Laramie Limited is a comfy way to haul stuff in Chicago

Some people want a rugged truck with no frills that can get seriously banged up and muddy. If that's the case for you, you're definitely going to want to avoid the 2016 Ram Laramie Limited debuting as the latest flagship trim on the 1500, 2500 and 3500 models at the Chicago Auto Show. This pickup is for the buyer who still wants to haul stuff around but get the work done while sitting in the lap of luxury. Bystanders as far as the next county are going to have zero problems knowing the oncoming or outgoing driver has the top-level Ram. In a somewhat similar style to the updated look from the Ram Rebel, the word "RAM" appears in billboard-sized chrome letters across the center of the grille of the Laramie Limited. In case folks somehow miss it, the air inlets on either side are practically arrows pointing right to the middle. The rear gets the same motif with an emblem measuring some 20-inches wide. If all of that isn't enough to grab attention, there's also tons of eye-grabbing chrome from end to end. This is not a vehicle meant to blend in. Inside, passengers are cosseted in acres of black Natura Plus leather with Graystone piping and Black Argento wood trim. For a bit of contrast from all the darkness, there are also metallic accents in a color called Liquid Graphite. LED lighting sheds soft illumination throughout the cabin. Take it all in, boys and girls, in the high-res image galleries above and below. Related Video: