Rumors about a new mid-size Ram truck have been circulating for some time, and a recent trademark filing by Fiat Chrysler may indicate that the forthcoming model might revive the classic name: Dakota.
Last month, Ram’s parent company, FCA, submitted a trademark application to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for the name “Dakota,” specifying it relates to “Parts for vehicles, namely, automotive exterior decorative trim.” For anyone familiar with pickup trucks or American automotive history, the name Dakota likely evokes a sense of nostalgia. To provide some context, the Dodge Dakota was a mid-size pickup that was manufactured for three generations from 1987 to 2011, and it was discontinued around the same time as the Ford Ranger.
However, since 2019 the Ford Ranger has made a comeback, and it seems FCA is eager to join the mid-size truck market, competing with the Ranger as well as the Chevy Colorado and Toyota Tacoma. While the Jeep Gladiator is currently available as a mid-size pickup, it doesn’t directly compete with these models; it is a four-door vehicle designed more for off-road adventures than traditional construction work.
FCA CEO Mike Manley acknowledged last year during an earnings call that the absence of a true mid-size truck poses a “clear hole in our portfolio.” In February, images surfaced of a truck resembling a mid-size Ram, alongside what might be a Hellcat-powered TRX, lending further credibility to the speculations.
As for the platform that would support this anticipated pickup, it remains uncertain. However, it would not be unexpected to see the Ram 1500’s 3.6-liter V6 engine featured. Additionally, hybrid technology may be in the mix, considering FCA’s recent eTorque system, which is utilized in the Ram half-ton truck and the Jeep Wrangler.
When approached for comment, a spokesperson for FCA declined to provide any information..
