Popular Mechanics Awards 2016 Ram Truck Line for Automotive Excellence Honor

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Apr 13, 2016, 10:00 ET

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., April 13, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Popular Mechanics has included the 2016 Ram line up in their annual Automotive Excellence Awards in the May issue, on newsstands today. Compared to all other full-size pickups, the Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 offerings had the best combination of technology, performance and value.

"The objective for Ram is to build the best trucks in the market, and earning a spot in Popular Mechanics' Automotive Excellence Awards is recognition of rapid innovation and exclusive features across Ram's entire pickup line," said Mike Manley – Head of Ram Truck Brand, FCA Global. "The pickup truck segments are brutally competitive and Ram is committed to leadership with best-in-class titles, including America's most fuel-efficient full-size pickup at 29 mpg, most towing capacity at 31,210 pounds and the most torque at 900 lb.-ft."

Ram is the winner in the "Best Truck" category and, according to the article: "Top to bottom, this is the model to beat." The editors go on to say, "The Ram is the only pickup with a ZF-designed eight-speed automatic transmission, a device so manifestly excellent that Rolls-Royce and Range Rover put the same in their cars, too. That transmission can be bolted to a satisfying 305-hp V-6, a beastly HEMI® V-8, or a 3.0-liter diesel, the only small diesel you can get in a full-size truck."

In the introduction to the article, the editors of Popular Mechanics describe the process of choosing this year's winners: "We've reflected on and debated the things we've seen and expect to see as we cover this industry. We've visited factories, interviewed engineers and driven everything at least once, mostly without incident. Now, we anoint the standouts: the vehicles – and a few of the options, add-ons and standard features – that remind us why we love the automobile."

The 2016 Popular Mechanics Automotive Excellence Awards also name the Car of the Year, Best SUV, Best Sports Car, Best Electric and several other categories.

About Popular Mechanics
Popular Mechanics empowers readers to navigate the increasingly complex, technological world around us. The magazine, published monthly by Hearst Magazines, inspires, instructs and influences 9 million curious readers. Their mindset – the hunger to know, the desire to investigate and learn – drives them to explore, experiment and experience a wide range of interests. Issues engage readers with breakthroughs in the latest innovations in science and technology; educates with informative "how-to" stories on automotive, the home and digital technology; and motivates action with product reviews and comparison tests of the newest equipment and products. Popular Mechanics is also the #1-ranked men's monthly magazine when it comes to reaching an environmentally conscious audience. The brand is a 21st-century must-read, with a robust website and an award-winning tablet edition. Follow Popular Mechanics on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

About Ram Truck Brand
Since its launch as a stand-alone division in 2009, the Ram Truck Brand has steadily emerged as an industry leader with one goal: to build the best pickup trucks and commercial vehicles in the industry.

Creating a distinct identity for Ram Trucks has allowed the brand to concentrate on core customers and features they find valuable. Whether focusing on a family that uses a Ram 1500 day in and day out, a hard-working Ram 3500 Heavy Duty owner or a business that depends on its Ram ProMaster commercial van every day for deliveries, Ram has the truck market covered.

In order to be the best, it takes a commitment to innovation, capability, efficiency and durability. Ram Truck invests substantially in its products, infusing them with great looks, refined interiors, durable engines and exclusive features that further enhance their capabilities.

Moving into the 2016 model year, Ram continues to beat the competition in the most sought-after titles, fuel economy, payload and towing capacity:

Best-in-class fuel economy with exclusive EcoDiesel – 29 mpg with Ram 1500
Best-in-class towing capability – 31,210 pounds with Ram 3500
Best-in-class payload – 7,390 pounds with Ram 3500
Best-in-class torque – 900 lb.-ft. with Ram 3500 Cummins Turbo Diesel

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.

Follow Ram and FCA US news and video on:
FCA Content On Demand (COD): www.fcacod.com
Company blog: http://blog.fcanorthamerica.com
Company website: www.fcanorthamerica.com
Media website: http://media.fcanorthamerica.com
FCA360: www.fca360.com
Ram Trucks brand: www.ramtrucks.com
Ram Zone blog: www.ramzone.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/RamTrucks and www.facebook.com/ChryslerGroup
Flickr: www.flickr.com/RamTrucks and www.flickr.com/ChryslerGroup
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/ramtrucks and www.pinterest.com/FCAcorporate
Instagram: www.instagram.com/ramtrucks and www.instagram.com/FiatChrysler_NA
Streetfire: www.streetfire.net/uploaded/chryslervideo.htm
Twitter: www.twitter.com/RamTrucks and www.twitter.com/FiatChrysler_NA
YouTube: www.youtube.com/RamTrucks and www.youtube.com/pentastarvideo