2019 Ram production ramp up not going as planned

[Jared B]

<h2 >Production currently running at 60% of cycle</h2>

2019 Ram production is "probably running today at 60 percent of cycle. That's not where we need to be." According to FCA CEO Sergio Marchionne. According to a new report by Automotive news the production ramp up of the all new Ram 1500 has proven to be challenging.

The 2019 Ram 1500 started production at the Sterling Heights Assembly Plant (SHAP) in Sterling Heights, Michigan in mid-January. The plant was completely retooled to build the body-on-frame pickups, which was previously building the unibody Chrysler 200 midsize sedan. While it is normal for manufacturers to limit initial configurations with an all new design in order to reduce complexity on the production line during initial build out, things haven't been progressing as quickly as FCA hoped they would. According to Automotive news SHAP is running two 10 hour shifts a day, 7 days a week and producing 1,000 trucks a day. They are working towards a goal of 1,400 trucks a day, FCA will be running the plant every weekend and holiday through Labor day in an effort to get production up to speed.


2019 Ram 1500 Laramie Quad Cab with Chrome package (Real Fast Fotography photo)

While we reported on Sunday that the Ram Rebel, trucks with the Ram Box option as well as quad cabs and a few other configurations are now in production, neither the 3.6 Pentastar V6 with eTorque or the 5.7 Hemi V8 with eTorque have begun production yet. We have previously reported that we expect both of the mild hybrid variants to enter production this Summer.

According to Automotive news, one of their sources says that there are more than 2,500 trucks in holding yards near the plant awaiting repairs for an electrical issue.

While production of the all new Ram trucks ramps up, FCA is relying on the outgoing 2018 Ram 1500, still in production at the Warren Truck plant to pick up the slack. Understandably sales of the outgoing truck are down 13% compared to last year.

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Source: Automotive News

 

[SoCal Truck]

Definitely not good nor what I wanted to hear. Concerned about the quality issues called out in the Automotive News report and that there is no official MPG rating yet on the eTorques. Great post.

 

[2019REBEL]

Electrical gremlins..yikes hope they have it all sorted out before I order mine

 

[Jared B]

While this obviously isn't ideal or the best news it is pretty common for a new vehicle launch. Both GM and Ford had teething problems rolling out the 2014 Silverado/Sierra and the 2015 F150 respectively. It's also good that they caught whatever electrical issue they are having with those 2,500 or so trucks at the plant and before getting into buyers hands.

While not the best news, I'd say its far from the sky falling.

 

[Deleted member 85]

Truth be told - us consumers could have just been told that the delay was just ensuring quality control is perfect.

No one had to tell us why it's delayed, and we should be happy they were transparent enough to do so. I'm just happy it was caught at the factory and not in a client's hands.

 

[Jared B]

Truth be told - us consumers could have just been told that the delay was just ensuring quality control is perfect.

No one had to tell us why it's delayed, and we should be happy they were transparent enough to do so. I'm just happy it was caught at the factory and not in a client's hands.

I agree, Sergio catches a lot of flack from the media but I like the way that he tells it like it is. I'd rather than than some fabricated feel good story.

 

[Deleted member103]

Well, from reading the details from the 'Automotive News' article, it's clear the "sources" of the ISSUES; electrical & Supplier demands for 2 RAM 1500's - DS & DT, are proving to be problematic so far ! That bums me out ! The CEO has only stated the obvious IN GENERAL, it's been the other "Sources" that have given us the "rest of the story" ! This Electrical Issue apparently has nothing to do with the New eTorque 48volt system, since "sources" are saying IT isn't even in Production yet, for either engine, ugh ! Plus I get the feeling the folks On-The-Lines are having some difficulties + some lack of training/skills ? This has been planned for a very long time but some of the "ducks" haven't been able to keep "in a row" !? With sales down 13% for the DS's I would hope they take "the hit" and reduce DS production, quickly train some of those folks on the DT and get them over their soon ! There is a reason the DS is "doing poorly" - I mentioned the possibility months ago - in that, sure it's to be expected because people like ME & others here ARE wanting the DT, and not the DS ! SO we've put off buying the old version for the New ! Simple as that I feel ! I'm worried, and I may be Temporarily postponing my Quad Big Horn V6 to the Late FALL instead of the mid to late Summer ! Give these Folks at the plant & the Suppliers to get-it together ! Don't feel like buying a new truck with "issues" or the smell of "lemons" ! Sure do hope for the best for ALL parties, including folks here so they can start digging' on their new rides ! GO RAM