AUBURN HILLS, MI - Ram Truck announced a new trim package for commercial use called the Ram Tradesman. The Tradesman is an option package designed to meet the needs of small businessmen, construction jobsites, and commercial fleets.

“The Ram Tradesman is named for -- and aimed at -- the heart of our business,” said Fred Diaz, President and CEO, Ram Truck Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. “This is a hard-working truck for hard-working people. Durability, reliability and value for the money are the top three considerations for our customers. Their truck is the most important tool they own and one they’ll use every day. The Ram Tradesman is a truck they can depend on.”

Ram Tradesman starts with the Ram 1500 ST trim package and adds features such as a standard HEMI engine with five-speed automatic transmission. HEMI-equipped Ram 1500s are rated at 390 hp / 407 ft.-lb. torque and 20 mpg highway (4x2).

Also included in the Tradesman package is a standard Class IV trailer hitch with lighted, above-bumper four- and seven-pin trailer wire connectors. Tradesman also features heavy-duty engine cooling and a heavy-duty transmission oil cooler. Properly equipped Tradesman have a towing capacity of 10,450 lbs.

The Ram 1500 Tradesman is equipped with 17-inch full-face painted steel wheels exclusive to the Tradesman.

All Ram 1500 models, including the Tradesman, feature multi-link rear coil suspension. A coil-spring setup centralizes and absorbs bumps and impact, while reducing the amount of friction in the spring system. This setup also weighs 40 pounds less than a leaf-spring configuration.

Ram Tradesman is available in either regular cab short-bed (6 ft., 4 in.) and long-bed (8 ft.) models, with a choice of 4x2 or 4x4 powertrains. Buyers can choose vinyl or cloth 40/20/40 split bench seats in dark slate and medium graystone, and either carpeted or vinyl flooring.

Other standard equipment includes 160-amp alternator, 17-inch steel spare wheel and full-size spare tire, 26-gallon (6-ft, 4-in. bed) or 32-gallon (8-ft. bed) fuel tank, 3.55 rear axle ratio, 700-amp maintenance-free battery, bright chrome grille, cargo bed lamp, front and rear heavy-duty shock absorbers, front and rear stabilizer bars, halogen headlamps, locking tailgate, rear wheel well liners, rack and pinion steering, rear dome lamp, and sentry key theft-deterrent system.

Standard interior features include air conditioning, a 12-volt auxiliary power outlet, media center with CD and MP3 player, six speakers, audio jack for mobile devices, automatic headlamps, behind the seat storage, driver and passenger assist handles, instrument panel with tachometer, tilt steering wheel , tinted glass, variable intermittent windshield wipers.

Standard safety features include advanced multistage front air bags, supplemental side airbags and front curtain, electronic stability control, anti-lock four-wheel disc brakes, front height-adjust shoulder belts, and tire-pressure monitoring.

Ram Tradesman is available in bright silver metallic, bright white, brilliant black crystal pearl, deep cherry red crystal pearl, deep water blue pearl, flame red, hunter green pearl, mineral gray metallic, rugged brown pearl or white gold metallic paint.
A list of options is available for the Tradesman including 3.21 and 3.92 rear axle ratios, anti-spin differential, chrome exhaust tip, bright chrome front and rear bumpers, heated mirrors, power door locks, power windows, remote keyless entry, engine block heater, folding trailer-tow mirrors with courtesy lamps and supplemental signals, rubber floor mats, Mopar chrome side steps and bed rails, a rear sliding window, spray-in bedliner, Sirius satellite radio, Uconnect voice command with Bluetooth, remote USB port, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, tow hooks, cruise control, tire pressure monitor, vehicle information center and trailer brake controller.

Ram Tradesman is also available with Goodyear Wrangler all-terrain tires to resist punctures and improve off-road traction.

Ram Trucks come with a 5-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty.

Ram Tradesman pricing starts at $22,780, including $975 destination charge. Tradesman will go on sale in the second quarter 2011.

Related to this news, the Ram Truck commercial vehicle program provides incentives and discounts to assist customers in purchasing, servicing and customizing their Ram Trucks.

• Up to $1,000 commercial equipment upfit allowance
• Up to $1,000 Chrysler Service Contract allowance
• Up to $1,000 Mopar certificate allowance
• (877) ONTHEJOB

For more information, visit www.ramtrucks.com/commercial.