Over the past few months, the opportunity to test drive a series of Chrysler vehicles has illustrated first-hand the wide variety of models that the OEM has available for businesses operating fleets of light- and medium-duty equipment. Provided courtesy of the manufacturer, and supplied by Event Solutions International (ESI), a partner of North American Vehicle Services (NAVS), were a Dodge Grand Caravan, Jeep Compass Sport and Wrangler Unlimited models as well as Ram (formerly Dodge Ram) 1500 Regular Cab and Crew Cab 4 x 4 pickup trucks.
The vehicles also afforded an opportunity to try a range of engines and transmissions. Included were the
2.4-L, 4-cylinder DOHC dual VVT mated to a continuously variable transaxle, a 3.8-L SMPI with a four-speed automatic, a 4.0-L SOHC V6 with a six-speed automatic, and both the 4.7-L V8 Flex Fuel and 5.7-L V8 Hemi MDS VVT with five-speed gearboxes.

Chrysler Fleet Operations is entering 2010 with a complete lineup of sedans (including law enforcement versions), SUVs, passenger and cargo vans and pickup trucks. Ram branded pickups include Dakotas as well as models in a variety of cab styles and in chassis cab versions covering Class 2 through Class 5 GVW ranges.

The 2010 Ram 1500 features an increased GCWR to 15,500 lbs. (from 14,000 lbs.), which equates to an increase in towing capability up to an estimated 10,450 lbs. and a 1,900-lb. payload capacity. Sitting on a 140.5-in. wheelbase, the 1500 is powered by a 5.7-L Hemi V8 and equipped with a 3.92 rear axle.

Ram Heavy-Duty 2500 and 3500 models for 2010 are available for the first time in a crew-size cab. Offered with a choice of diesel- and gasoline-fueled powerplants, the trucks can be equipped with a standard 5.7-L Hemi V8 that delivers 383 HP and 400 lb.-ft. of torque or an available 6.7-L Cummins turbo diesel rated at 350 HP and 650 lb.-ft. of torque. On all diesels, a B20 biodiesel package is available to fleet customers.

The Ram Heavy-Duty 2010 2500’s GVWR is now 9,600 lbs., a 600-lb. increase on crew cab and Mega Cab
4 x 4 models equipped with the Cummins turbo diesel engine compared to previous models. The Ram Heavy-Duty 3500 with dual rear wheels, diesel engine, automatic transmission and 4.10 rear axle has a GCWR of 24,500 lbs., a towing capability of 17,600 lbs. and a maximum payload of 5,150 lbs.

The 2010 Ram 3500, 4500 and 5500 chassis cab models are powered by a Cummins turbo diesel rated at 305 HP and 610 lb.-ft. of torque and can be equipped with either a six-speed Aisin automatic or a manual transmission, both with PTO capability. The Class 3 model 3500 is joined by the 4500 with a GVWR of 16,500 lbs. and the 5500 with a 19,500 lb. rating. Two cab-axle lengths of 60 in. and 84 in. are available on all Ram chassis cab models while the 4500 and 5500 also have a cab-axle length offering of 120 in.

Ram complements its wide range of truck offerings with dedicated commercial programs and services. For businesses that own or operate 15 or more vehicles, or purchase or lease more than five vehicles within a 12-month period, Chrysler Fleet Operations offers limited-production options, service contracts, price protection, the ability to build and price fleet vehicles online, and order tracking. The OEM also works closely with approved upfitters.

Also from Chrysler for fleets is BusinessLink, a program that provides access to a select network of dedicated commercial Ram dealers. Members receive Next-Bay-Up Service for registered company vehicles, access to a dedicated account manager trained to understand commercial vehicle needs, extended service hours, free loaner vehicles while any eligible vehicle is in for repair during the basic limited warranty period, shuttle service back to an office or jobsite, 24-hour towing to a dealership and vehicle-use tracking to control service and maintenance costs.
Committed to keeping fleets on the road, Chrysler is well prepared for 2010 and beyond. For more information, visit www.fleet.chrysler.com.