All-new 2013 Ram 1500 Named Motor Trend Truck of the Year

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Dec. 6, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The editors of Motor Trend today named the all-new 2013 Ram 1500 the magazine's 2013 Truck of the Year®.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20121206/DE25318 ) 

"The new Ram 1500 makes a powerful statement about our company and the Ram Truck Brand," said Fred Diaz, President and CEO Ram Truck Brand and Chrysler de Mexico. "Motor Trend's Truck of the Year is an amazing honor; truly one of the most prestigious awards an automaker can achieve. It reaffirms the fact that Ram has the best truck on the road today. Bar none."

Motor Trend editors praised the new 2013 Ram 1500 for its air suspension, choice of engines, variety of trim levels and towing capability.

"We had a small but solid field of contenders for Motor Trend's Truck of the Year," said Edward Loh, Editor-in-Chief of Motor Trend. "But in the end, the choice was clear: Ram 1500 not only withstood our rigorous testing, it impressed at every step along the way. Our judges were won over by the performance of Ram 1500's broad array of standard and optional equipment. It's a truck that can be tailored to meet most anyone's needs. For these reasons and more, we're excited to name the Ram 1500 the Motor Trend 2013 Truck of the Year."

Motor Trend Truck of the Year contenders are evaluated using six criteria, which includes Design Advancement, Engineering Excellence, Efficiency, Safety, Value and Performance of Intended Function. To be eligible, a vehicle must be all-new or have been substantially changed from the previous model. 

For 2013, the new Ram 1500 offers buyers best-in-class 25 MPG fuel efficiency, new technology and new features without sacrificing capability. Ram 1500–the most recognizable pickup on the road–marks a milestone for Ram as this truck delivers a truckload of pioneering and fuel-saving systems. Equipped with a choice of engines, including the legendary 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 engine or the award-winning Pentastar V-6, the Ram 1500 offers the best powertrains in the industry and are known for their reliability.

The 2013 Ram 1500 features first-in-segment technologies: eight-speed automatic transmission, stop-start system, thermal management system, pulse-width modulation and active aerodynamics, including grille shutters and active air suspension. The 2013 Ram 1500 is available in nine trim levels and starts at $23,585 including $995 destination charge.

Ram engineers changed every area of the truck – from a newly designed frame to new engines and transmissions to a new interior with the next-generation Uconnect® access system. With best-in-class ride and handling and best-in-class aerodynamics, the 2013 Ram 1500 delivers unmatched content, performance and capability to truck buyers. 

For a rebroadcast of the news conference announcing the 2013 Ram 1500 as Motor Trend's "Truck of the Year," visit http://www.livestream.com/chryslercommunications 

About Ram Truck Brand
The Ram Truck brand continues to establish its own identity and clearly define its customer since its launch as a standalone vehicle brand. Creating a distinct brand for Ram trucks has allowed the brand to concentrate on how core customers use their trucks and what new features they'd like to see. Whether focusing on a family that uses its half-ton truck day in and day out, a hard-working Ram Heavy Duty owner or a business that depends on its commercial vehicles every day, Ram has the truck market covered.

The Ram Truck brand has the most innovative lineup of full-size trucks on the market. Ram Truck has emerged as a full-size truck leader by investing substantially in new products, infusing them with great looks, refined interiors, durable engines and features that further enhance their capabilities. Truck customers, from half-ton to commercial, have a demanding range of needs and require their vehicles to provide high levels of capability. Ram trucks are designed to deliver a total package.

SOURCE Chrysler Group LLC