Chrysler Adopts New Universal Towing Testing Standard

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Here’s a tidbit about trucks that you may not be aware of, but whenever a truck company talks about towing capability, it’s not a uniformed test amongst the truck makers.  Each company has their own version of the test and that is what they are talking about in the talking points when it comes to towing in vehicles.  That means that consumer doesn’t have a real comparison point between trucks.  That is all changing however, as Chrysler, Ford, General Motors, and Nissan are looking to adopt a universal towing testing system.

Guampdn.com has the full details of what the truck makers are looking to do in the future.  They quote Bill Visni, a senior analyst with Edmunds.com as to why this will be so beneficial to buyers.  “This is good news for car shoppers.  They can compare apples to apples when they buy a new pickup.”

The majority of truck buyers are interested mostly in the towing capability.  It is the number that can really influence an owners buying opinion.  “People buy pickups to tow and haul,” said Bob Hegbloom, head of Chrysler’s Ram trucks. “These vehicles are tools. This brings a standard into place” to ensure all automakers measure their towing capacity the same way.

The Society of Automotive Engineers has already created a standardized test called J2807.  Although the companies agreed to it a few years ago it was only Toyota that used it.  The fallout from the test may explain why truck makers were so cold to using the test after initially agreeing to follow it.  By testing by J2807, the Tundra’s towing capacity dropped 400 pounds.  Moving forward, however, this will be the new standard.

It will definitely aid truck buyers in getting an honest comparison between trucks and their towing capacity.  To find out what the award-winning 2014 Ram 1500’s is, contact us at Bayside Chrysler Jeep Dodge.  Be sure to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to see more news and monthly specials.

Ram Trucks Heats up the Commercial Truck Segment

ram_promaster_02Trucks have an odd dual life attached to them. Sure everyone likes to drive a car that looks good, but trucks need to be able to do their duty as a heavy duty mover. That’s what commercial vehicles are all about, trading in the frill and good looks for providing the highest quality performance. With the 2013 Ram 1500 being such a success with fans and critics, Ram is setting their sights on providing competition to Ford and General Motors with commercial vehicles.

Currently, both Ford and General Motors dominate in this field. They have almost 90 percent of the market with Ram picking up the rest. The economy is improving and companies are looking at their fleets in need of updating.

Ram is introducing a new commercial truck, a downsized cargo van based off the Fiat Doblo, later next year.

It’s clear for truck sellers that this will be a major market over the course of the next few years. Truck builders are certainly concentrating on providing solid competition amongst themselves. When that happens, the consumer wins.

Go to Bayside Chrysler Jeep Dodge to view our full Ram line-up, including our full selection of commercial trucks.  We have our new and pre-owned vehicles also available for view online.  Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for more Ram news and monthly specials.