Windsor Plant Produces First Ram C/V

Chrysler Group’s Windsor (Ontario) Assembly Plant has produced the first 2012 Ram Cargo Van (C/V), a Ram Truck Brand vehicle that has been designed for small business use. It is a Class 1 commercial vehicle with 1,800 lbs. of cargo payload and towing capability up to 3,600 lbs.

A 20-gallon fuel tank is standard, and the vehicle is expected to achieve 25 mpg on the highway, Ram said.

The vehicle includes a “commercial-tuned ride” and heavy-duty suspension, the company said. A heavy-duty radiator and heavy-duty transmission oil cooler help meet heavier powertrain demands. It also includes hydraulic power-assist rack-and-pinion steering, front anti-sway bar, and rear twist-beam axle with coil springs.

Also included as standard is electronic stability control, tire-pressure monitoring, and four-wheel anti-lock brakes. The Ram C/V has a maximum Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) of 8,750 lbs.

Other features include an optional rear backup camera, aluminum load floor, fuel economizer mode, and available UConnect voice command with Bluetooth.

A 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine offering 283 hp. and 260 lbs.-ft. of torque, mated together with a 6-spd. automatic transmission powers the vehicle.