Originally Posted By: itguy08
Originally Posted By: demarpaint
Ram sales have been growing at a nice pace. You're correct, IF the Chinese buy Chrysler all bets will be off. That isn't cast in stone yet. IMO Ford quality has been dropping while their competition is slowly catching up. The aluminum bodies were a big mistake, I know a few people who were loyal Ford owners that swung over to Ram because of it.
Except GM and Ram have pretty much confirmed aluminum is on the table for them as well. I'd say the gamble paid off - sales are up 8% so far this year. In the 1/2 ton space they have to still meet CAFE and that means weight reduction and the easiest way is aluminum.
Sure Ram has been increasing bit it's starting to level off and GM was the one that lost the most. Ford has still been growing at a rate that is outpacing Ram's gains. GM is the one that needs to be worried - GMC and Chevy sales are off by -7.6% (GMC) and -5.8% (Chevy). Don't know why - the GM's are nice trucks too and both are better than Ram. Having the most cash on the hood has helped Ram a bit but I wonder how long that will keep up given FCA's dire financial situation.
Only time will tell. The wildcard is going to be the Chinese. Having driven Fords latest offerings, and the newest Ram, I'm a convert. Add to that the the 2.7L problems it's sad to say my love for Ford is fading.
Originally Posted By: demarpaint
Ram sales have been growing at a nice pace. You're correct, IF the Chinese buy Chrysler all bets will be off. That isn't cast in stone yet. IMO Ford quality has been dropping while their competition is slowly catching up. The aluminum bodies were a big mistake, I know a few people who were loyal Ford owners that swung over to Ram because of it.
Except GM and Ram have pretty much confirmed aluminum is on the table for them as well. I'd say the gamble paid off - sales are up 8% so far this year. In the 1/2 ton space they have to still meet CAFE and that means weight reduction and the easiest way is aluminum.
Sure Ram has been increasing bit it's starting to level off and GM was the one that lost the most. Ford has still been growing at a rate that is outpacing Ram's gains. GM is the one that needs to be worried - GMC and Chevy sales are off by -7.6% (GMC) and -5.8% (Chevy). Don't know why - the GM's are nice trucks too and both are better than Ram. Having the most cash on the hood has helped Ram a bit but I wonder how long that will keep up given FCA's dire financial situation.
Only time will tell. The wildcard is going to be the Chinese. Having driven Fords latest offerings, and the newest Ram, I'm a convert. Add to that the the 2.7L problems it's sad to say my love for Ford is fading.