AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Dec. 3, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Esquire magazine has named the Ram 1500 EcoDiesel, America's most fuel-efficient pickup, its Truck of the Year. The announcement is highlighted in Esquire's December issue.

Esquire's editors consider all potential truck models in the U.S. market, balancing attributes with conventional touchstones that outline what makes a great truck, such as efficiency, functionality, versatility, safety, value and style.

"Recognition from Esquire magazine is proof that pickups have found their way into a variety of lifestyles," said Bob Hegbloom, President and CEO—Ram Truck Brand. "In such a competitive market, we are thrilled to earn a 'Truck of the Year' title from Esquire. The Ram 1500 delivers with a winning combination of best-in-class fuel economy and capability and going forward, Ram will continue to set the pace with the best trucks in their segments."

The EcoDiesel-powered Ram 1500 earned a 28 mpg rating from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the best highway-cycle test result ever achieved by a full-size, half-ton pickup. It also exceeds the EPA highway rating for the top-ranked small pickup. The previous half-ton fuel efficiency record was set by the Ram 1500 with the available 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 gasoline engine at 25 mpg highway.

"This is where the truck tide turns: a full-sized American pickup with a just-big-enough diesel V-6—the only one of its kind," Esquire magazine noted. "You get the fuel economy of a small engine, the pulling power of a larger one and the grumble of a working-class diesel."

Ram 1500—the most recognizable pickup on the road—delivers best-in-class fuel economy with a truckload of pioneering, fuel-saving systems and first-in-segment technologies: TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission, stop-start system, thermal management system, pulse-width modulation and active aerodynamics, including grille shutters and air suspension. The Ram 1500 delivers an outstanding combination of best-in-class fuel efficiency, unsurpassed torque and a surplus of towing capability. 

Ram truck offers models designed for a wide range of buyers, including outdoorsmen, tradesmen, first-time buyers and ranchers. Laramie, Laramie Longhorn and Laramie Limited trims are designed to meet the high expectations of affluent pickup truck buyers looking to combine capability with sophistication. Featuring premium materials, such as full-leather seating, real wood interior components and modish design, Ram offers a refined luxury alternative uncommon in pickups. 

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 2015 model year, Ram continues to beat the competition in the two most sought-after titles, fuel economy and towing capacity:

• Best-in-class fuel economy with exclusive EcoDiesel - 28 mpg with Ram 1500
• Best-in-class towing capability - 30,000 pounds with Ram 3500 
• Best-in-class payload – 7,390 pounds with Ram 3500
• Best-in-class torque – 865 lb.-ft. with Ram 3500 equipped with Cummins 

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.

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SOURCE Chrysler Group LLC

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