Cars RAM are a symbol of American power and practicality, but not everyone knows who is really behind their production. If you are planning to purchase a pickup truck or SUV of this brand, it is important to understand the corporate structure, geography of assembly and the nuances of supplies to the Russian market. In this article we will look in detail at whose company makes RAM, where key factories are located, and how this affects the quality and price of cars.

Many people mistakenly believe that RAM is an independent brand, but in fact its history is closely connected with Dodge and the concern Stellantis. An analysis of the evolution of the brand will help to understand this confusion: from separation from Dodge in 2009 to modern realities, when pickup trucks RAM 1500 and RAM 2500 gather on different continents. We will pay special attention to the issue where they produce RAM for Russia - this is critical for assessing customs risks and warranty service.

In the article you will find:

  • 🔍 Real brand owner and his connection with Chrysler, Fiat and Peugeot
  • 🏭 List of factories in the USA, Mexico and Canada, indicating models
  • 📦 Supply logistics to Russia and the CIS countries after 2022
  • ⚖️ Legal nuances brand ownership and patent wars

Who owns the RAM brand in 2026: analysis of the corporate structure

Let's start with the main thing: RAM Trucks is a division of a transnational concern Stellantis N.V., formed in 2021 after the merger Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) and PSA Group (owner Peugeot, Citroën and Opel). This means that the brand is formally owned by a Dutch company, but is managed from the USA and Italy.

Historically RAM was part Dodge — until 2009, pickup trucks were sold under the brand Dodge RAM. After rebranding RAM became a separate brand specializing in trucks and SUVs. At the same time legal entity — Ram Trucks LLC - registered in the state of Michigan (USA) and fully controlled Stellantis North America.

An important nuance: despite the European origin of the parent company, RAM remains exclusively American brand in terms of positioning and target audience. All key design, engineering and marketing decisions are made in the USA, and the European market for RAM secondary.

⚠️ Attention: After sanctions in 2022, official deliveries RAM to Russia have been discontinued, but cars continue to arrive through parallel imports. When purchasing, check the country of assembly - customs clearance and warranty obligations depend on this.

Where RAM cars are made: plants in the USA, Mexico and Canada

Production capacity RAM concentrated in North America, but assembly geography varies by model. For example, flagship RAM 1500 assembled at three factories, and heavy RAM 2500/3500 - only in the USA. Below is a current table indicating locations and models.

Factory Location Models Features
Sterling Heights Assembly Michigan, USA RAM 1500 (main) The largest plant produces 80% of pickup trucks for the USA
Warren Truck Assembly Michigan, USA RAM 1500 Classic, RAM 2500/3500 Specializes in heavy pickups and commercial versions
Saltillo Truck Assembly Coahuila, Mexico RAM 1500 (export) Supplies cars to Latin America and the Middle East
Brampton Assembly Ontario, Canada Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger/Challenger Previously collected RAM Dakota, now - only sedans

Interesting fact: despite the fact that RAM positioned as an "American pickup truck" 30% cars for the US domestic market they are assembled in Mexico. This is due to cost optimization - labor in Mexico is cheaper, and logistics are streamlined. However, for the European and Asian markets, Mexican assembly is considered preferable due to lower customs duties.

📊 How do you feel about RAM assembly in Mexico?
Positive is the main quality
Negative - I prefer “real” American assembly
Neutral - I don't see any difference
I don't know where my RAM is assembled

RAM for Russia: where are pickup trucks coming from after 2022?

Until February 2022 cars RAM officially imported to Russia through a dealer network FCA Russia, but after leaving Stellantis The situation has changed since the market. Pickups are currently available through:

  • 🚢 Parallel import from the UAE and Kazakhstan (main channel)
  • 🇲🇽 Mexican dealers, reselling cars through third countries
  • 🇺🇸 Private orders from the USA with subsequent customs clearance

Key Point: all cars supplied to Russia today are assembled in Mexico (plant in Saltillo). American versions (Sterling Heights) are not certified for the Russian Federation due to differences in safety standards and exhaust gases. This means that:

  • 🔧 Warranty valid only for official importers (for example, in Kazakhstan)
  • 💰 Price 20–30% higher due to logistics and customs clearance
  • ⚡ Technical features: Mexican RAM may not support Russian frequencies GPS/GLONASS
⚠️ Attention: Upon purchase RAM check via parallel import VIN code on the website NHTSA. If the first character is 3 (Mexico) or 1/4/5 (USA), not X (Russia/CIS), the car is not adapted for the local market.
How to decrypt RAM VIN code?

The first 3 characters are WMI (manufacturer code):

- 1C6 — USA, plant Sterling Heights

- 3C6 — Mexico, plant Saltillo

- 2C3 — Canada (obsolete code, not currently used)

The fourth character is the model (for example, R for RAM 1500), the ninth is a check digit for authentication.

RAM vs. Dodge: why the brands were divided and what it gave

Division RAM and Dodge in 2009 became a strategic step Chrysler (then still under control Fiat). Reasons:

  1. Focus on target audience: Dodge became a brand for youth and sports cars (Charger, Challenger), and RAM - for commercial clients and farmers.
  2. Competition with Ford and GM: a separate brand allowed pickups to be better positioned against Ford F-Series and Chevrolet Silverado.
  3. Simplify logistics: factories could specialize in specific body types.

Result: 10 years after the sale split RAM grew by 120%, and the brand took second place in the US pickup market (after Ford). At the same time Dodge lost share in the truck segment, but strengthened its position in the muscle car class.

Today RAM and Dodge share some platforms (for example, RAM 1500 and Dodge Durango built on the same base), but externally and in positioning they are completely different brands. Interestingly, pickup trucks under the brand name are still sold in Mexico and Canada Dodge RAM is a legacy of the old strategy.

Check the emblem on the grille|Note the shape of the headlights (RAM's are narrower and taller)|RAM does not have two-door versions (unlike Dodge)|RAM's tailgate always says "RAM" rather than "Dodge"-->

Brand history RAM includes several high-profile trials:

  • 🏛️ Dispute with Daimler (2010–2012): Freightliner (division Daimler) tried to challenge the right Chrysler to the title RAM, referring to its line of trucks Freightliner RAM. The claim was rejected.
  • 📜 Grille design patent: in 2018 RAM sued Ford for copying the front part RAM 1500 in Ford F-150. The case was settled out of court.
  • 🌍 Trademarks in Europe: RAM could not be officially sold in the EU until 2020 due to a conflict with a German company RAM German Trucks (truck manufacturer). The problem was resolved after the rights were bought out.

Today Stellantis owns all rights to the brand RAM in 180 countries, but in some regions (for example, Australia) cars are sold under the brand Dodge RAM under license agreements. This creates confusion for buyers, especially when importing used cars.

In Russia and the CIS countries the brand RAM is not registered as a trademark in full - this allows local companies to use the name for tuning and selling spare parts. However, the import of cars under the brand name itself RAM legal since they are certified as "trucks" (RAM 1500 belongs to the category N1 according to UN classification).

💡

When purchasing used RAM from the USA, check the history via Carfax or AutoCheck. Pay special attention to the “Branded Title” item - if the car is listed as “Rebuilt” or “Salvage”, it cannot be legally imported into Russia.

Brand prospects: electric RAMs and new factories

In 2026 RAM is on the verge of the biggest changes in its history:

  • ⚡ RAM 1500 REV — the brand’s first electric pickup truck, scheduled for release in 2026. Will be assembled at a modernized plant in Sterling Heights.
  • 🏗️ New plant in Mexico: by 2026 Stellantis plans to open another assembly line in the state of Coahuila to increase exports to Asia.
  • 🤝 Partnership with Toyota: joint development of hybrid technologies for commercial pickup trucks.

Electric RAM 1500 REV will become a direct competitor Ford F-150 Lightning and Chevrolet Silverado EV. Its key features:

  • 🔋 Power reserve up to 500 miles (800 km) according to the EPA cycle
  • 💪Power 654 hp in the top version
  • 🔌 Charging support 800V (like Porsche Taycan)

However, there are risks: Stellantis delayed the launch of electric RAM by a year due to problems with battery supply from LG Energy Solution. This can give competitors a head start, especially if Tesla Cybertruck will hit the market earlier.

💡

RAM electric pickups will not appear in Russia until 2030 due to the lack of charging infrastructure and high customs duties on batteries.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about RAM car production

🔹 Why was RAM separated from Dodge if they are the same company?

The division occurred due to different target audiences: Dodge focused on sports cars and sedans, and RAM - on pickup trucks and commercial vehicles. This made it possible to better compete with Ford and GM, which also separated their brands (Ford and Lincoln, Chevrolet and GMC).

🔹 Is it possible to legally import RAM from the USA to Russia in 2026?

Yes, but with reservations:

  • The car must be no older than 5 years (for individuals).
  • Certification according to Technical Regulations TR CU 018/2011 is required (cost - from 300,000 ₽).
  • Customs duties will be 48% of the cost (for gasoline engines) or 54% (for diesel engines).

It's more legal and cheaper to buy Mexican RAM through Kazakhstan or the UAE.

🔹 What engines will be installed on the RAM 1500 in 2026?

Range of engines for RAM 1500 includes:

  • 3.6L Pentastar V6 (305 hp) - basic, assembled in Mexico.
  • 5.7L HEMI V8 (395 hp) - the most popular in the USA, produced in the USA.
  • 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 (260 hp) - diesel from VM Motori (Italy), assembled in Mexico.
  • 6.2L Supercharged V8 (702 hp) - for RAM TRX, manufactured in the USA.

For Russia, only gasoline versions are available (due to the ban on diesel engines Euro-5 and lower).

🔹 Why is RAM more expensive in Russia than in the USA?

Main reasons:

  1. Customs duties (48–54% of cost).
  2. Logistics: Delivery from Mexico or the UAE costs 15–20% of the price.
  3. Luxury tax (for cars over 5 million rubles).
  4. Dealer margin: Parallel importers include risks in the price.

For example, RAM 1500 Laramie in the USA it costs ~$50,000, and in Russia - from 6.5 million ₽ (≈$70,000).

🔹 Will there be official supplies of RAM to Russia after 2026?

Unlikely. Stellantis officially announced its exit from the Russian market, and the resumption of supplies will require:

  • Removal of sanctions from the company.
  • Localization of production (unrealistic without investment in factories).
  • Adaptation of cars to new technical regulations of the Russian Federation.

Alternative - assembly RAM at capacities PSA in Kazakhstan (as Peugeot), but negotiations are not ongoing yet.