AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Jan. 6 /PRNewswire/ -- The game-changing all-new 2009 Dodge Ram continues to win praise by consumers and media. The all-new Dodge Ram was named 2009 Truck of the Year in the current issue of Truckin' magazine.
"It's an honor to have Truckin' magazine recognize our all-new 2009 Dodge Ram with this significant award," said Scott Kunselman, Vice-President Jeep(R)/Truck Product Team, Chrysler LLC. "This award speaks loudly about the design and capability of our Dodge Ram along with its benchmark interior and unmatched ride and handling."
"Overall, the sleek design represented the most dramatic change in Ram design since the '94's love-it-or-leave-it big-rig look, and we think it's a hit," said Bob Ryder, Senior Tech Editor, Truckin'. "The Dodge Boys have really done their homework on this one. The quality of materials, including wood trim, chrome accents, and leather, is miles ahead of the previous generation, and really makes the Dodge look luxurious."
The all-new 2009 Dodge Ram includes the first-in-segment RamBox(TM) cargo management system that includes versatile, weatherproof, lockable, illuminated, drainable storage bins, pickup bed dividers, a 2-foot bed extender, and a cargo rail system with sliding adjustable cleats. The 2009 Ram also includes the first-in-segment coil-spring, five-link rear suspension fitted to a solid rear axle providing ride and handling not found on any other pickup truck. A new 5.7-liter HEMI(R) V-8 engine with fuel-saving MDS technology provides more horsepower (390 hp) and torque (407 lb.-ft.) and its best-in-class aerodynamics -- .387 Cd -- helps improve fuel economy and performance.
In addition, the all-new 2009 Dodge Ram includes first-in-segment, factory-installed 4-inch dual exhaust styled dramatically into the rear bumper, first-in-segment store-in-the-floor storage bins with nearly twice as many bins (42) than the previous model (26) and 35 safety and security technologies. Standard features include side-curtain air bags and Electronic Stability Program (ESP) which includes all-speed traction control, trailer sway control, hill-start assist and anti-lock brake system (ABS). Significantly upgraded interiors with segment-first surround-sound audio system and live SIRIUS Backseat TV(TM) round out the interior.
Recently, the all-new 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 Crew Cab earned 5-star ratings for driver- and front-passenger protection in a frontal crash, the highest ratings in the U.S. government's safety crash test program.
In addition to winning Truckin' magazine's Truck of the Year, the all-new Dodge Ram has picked up several key awards since its introduction:
-- Ward's AutoWorld - Ward's 10 Best Engines of 2009 (2009 Dodge Ram 5.7
HEMI engine)
-- Texas Auto Writer's Association (TAWA) - 2009 Full-Size Pickup Truck of
Texas
-- Edmunds.com - Inside Line Editors Most Wanted 2009
-- Autobytel.com - 2009 MyRide/Autobytel Editor's Choice Awards - Truck of
the Year
-- Maxim - Achievement in Party-Enabling Technology (RamBox)
-- Automotive Journalist Association of Canada - Best New Pickup
-- Sobre Ruedas - Sobre Ruedas Best Pickup Truck for '08
Dodge Brand
With a U.S. market share of 6.4 percent, Dodge is Chrysler LLC's best-selling brand and the sixth-largest nameplate in the U.S. automotive market. In 2007, Dodge sold more than 1.3 million vehicles in the global market, including the best-selling minivan in 2007 total sales, Dodge Grand Caravan.
The Dodge brand's first crossover vehicle -- the all-new 2009 Dodge Journey -- arrived in dealer showrooms in the first quarter of 2008, and is now available outside North America in petrol and diesel powertrains in both left- and right-hand drive. Available now at dealerships are the all-new 2009 Dodge Ram with game-changing exterior and interior design, innovations, best-in-class features and craftsmanship -- and the all-new 2009 Dodge Challenger, a modern interpretation of the American muscle car. Last fall, America's best-selling minivan, the all-new 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan, arrived in dealerships with 35 new or improved features including the newest innovation, the Swivel 'n Go(TM) seating system. In 2007, Dodge Avenger and Nitro entered key volume segments outside North America, joining the Dodge Caliber, the highest sales volume vehicle for the company outside of North America.