2012 Ram Cargo Van will go on sale in third quarter of 2011

The Dodge Grand Caravan Cargo Van has been rebranded as the Ram Cargo Van as part of a strategy to expand its share of the commercial van and delivery business. Chrysler said that the 2012 Ram model will go on sale in the third quarter. Production will take place at Chrysler’s Windsor Assembly Plant in Ontario where the standard Dodge Grand Caravan, Chrysler Town & Country, Chrysler Voyager and Volkswagen Routan are also built. The front-wheel-drive Ram Cargo Van is powered by a 3.6-liter V-6 engine that generates 283 hp and returns an estimated 25 mpg on the highway.

Chrysler claimed that it has a cargo payload of 1,800 pounds and it can tow up to 3,600 pounds. To be able to manage the extra powertrain stress, the van has been equipped with a heavy-duty radiator and heavy-duty transmission oil cooler. Ram said that by adapting the Grand Caravan, it is combining the city-friendly size of the minivan with the carrying prowess of a compact van.

Customers may opt between solid or glass sliding side doors, as well as between windows or privacy panels. The van also has two options for the rear-load floor. The first is a flat surface for 144.4 cubic feet of cargo room. The second is a floor with access to three storage bins and load floor tie-downs. In a statement, Fred Diaz, CEO of the Ram brand, said that the company sees growth in the Class 1 light commercial vehicle market. Diaz also said the Ram Cargo Van is targeted towards small businesses and commercial fleets.[via - 4wheelsnews]

2012 Ram Cargo Van wallpaper