Ram Motors history

Shortly after, in 1910, the new factory in Michigan quickly became one of the largest automotive parts companies in the world.

So on July 17, 1914, the Dodge brother’s decision to begin selling their vehicles and the Dodge Brothers Company began.

In 1922, Dodge was the first automotive company to introduce a steel-body closed car.

After the death of the brothers, the firm was sold and was eventually acquired by Chrysler in 1928.

The ‘RAM’ name was supposed to be a tribute to the RAM hood in 1933.

The first post-war Dodges were in high demand by civilians and came out to the market in 1946.

1947- RAM Motors & Controls began in Reading, PA as Reliable Electric.

Then, by the 1950’s Dodge stopped using the ram hood ornament.

In 1954, with the V8 engine, Dodge began making its way into car racing in the Indianapolis 500.

In 1966, Dodge unveiled the famous Dodge Charger.

1969- John Walton and his son David purchased the company and introduced its basic operating philosophy: a strong commitment to customer service with 100% customer satisfaction as its objective.

When it came to aesthetics, the first-generation of Ram vehicles were essentially the same design as the previous generation Dodge D-series pickup truck that was first presented to the markets in 1972 with a few modifications.

1983- Reliable Electric merged with Multilectric, Inc., adding its apparatus repair shops in Lancaster and York and giving rise to a new company name, RAM (Reliable And Multilectric) Motors & Controls, Inc.

In 1984, the second generation of these pickups was introduced, as seen in the image above.

In 1986, the RAM went through its first styling changes, featuring a new slight front end and crossbar grille.

Sweeping changes would occur for the 1988 models as a 3.9-liter V6 electronic fuel injection generating 125 horsepower.

In 1989, the Ram trucks sporting a 5.9 L V8 engine received a throttle body fuel injection for a 20 hp (horsepower) increase.

For the 1991 line of Rams, the grille was redesigned, although it kept the classic rectangular headlamps and crossbars featured in past designs.

Dodge created the perfect vehicle for that time by taking the rugged look of a truck, designing a car-like interior, and adding the new engine upgrades from 1993.

The second generation of Dodge Ram trucks was introduced in 1994.

In 1996, the development of the third generation was fully underway.

1997 Dodge RAM added detailed refinement to its full size trucks offering leather seats, wood trim on doors, a stereo as well as cassette and CD players.

Other changes in 1998 included a revised interior dual airbag, rounded mirrors instead of square ones, a chime that replaced the buzzer for seat belts/door ajar, etc., and a digital odometer.

The following year in 1999 Dodge introduced sport models of the RAM second generation which featured:

By the 2000’s RAM had improved suspension, handling, steering and braking systems all of which improved the quality of the ride.

By the time 2001 rolled around, Ram was sitting beneath Chevy and Ford trucks concerning sales.

The total redesign of the 2002 RAM was well received as it kept the “big rig” style of bed that pickup enthusiasts fell in love with.

With Ram's 400,543 sales, they could not keep up with Ford's 11th generation F-150 in 2004.

2006 was a year of change for the Dodge Ram.

During the 2007 model year, a 3500 chassis cab model was revealed with industry-standard rear frame width.

After Chrysler’s 2009 bankruptcy, the company was merged with Fiat to become part of what is now Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V.(FCA).

Then in 2010, Dodge did something drastic.

From 2011 and onwards, the marketing department has pushed Ram trucks as having "class-exclusive" manual transmissions.

2012- Pennsylvania Electric Motor Service, a large apparatus repair shop located in Erie, Pennsylvania, was acquired by ISS, and two years later, and merged into the RAM group.

During the 2013 Super Bowl, Ram aired a very emotional commercial that represented the heart of Ram and their customers.

As of 2016 and beyond, Ram trucks are sold all over the world.

Here Are Ram Facts You Didn't KnowSure, you were the first one to have a 2017 Ram 1500 in your garage.…

As of the 2020 model year, RAM has several light-duty and commercial trucks for Rochester workers.