Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, which operates its North American headquarters in Auburn Hills, will open orders for the fourth installment of Ram Truck’s Built to Serve Edition in December. Production is slated for early 2021 at the automaker’s Sterling Heights Assembly Plant.
As part of the series, the Ram brand is celebrating America’s five land, sea, and air-based armed forces with new editions of its Ram 1500 half-ton pickup truck lineup.
“These ‘Built to Serve’ models offer a unique way to honor all those who serve or have served in the United States armed forces with distinction,” says Mike Koval Jr., head of Ram brand. “Whether civilian or military, Ram truck owners are very familiar with this adage as it’s something we strive to build into every truck and van we produce.”
A new Built to Serve Edition model continues to launch about every three months. Each of the five U.S. military service branches has been or will be honored by Ram with two specially selected exterior paint colors that evoke the spirit, mission, and history of that service. One of each branch’s models is offered in a new low-volume paint option exclusive to the program.
The following colors and numbers will be available:
- Gator (1,000 units) and Diamond Black Crystal (1,000)
- Ceramic Gray (1,000) and Patriot Blue (1,000)
- Anvil (1,250) and Billet Silver Metallic (1,500)
- Tank (1,000) and Flame Red (1,000)
- Spitfire (500) and Bright White (500)
Each will have a U.S. flag and Built to Serve decal on the rear quarter panels. They will also have 20-inch aluminum wheels with a unique-to-the-edition Technical Gray finish. Body-color wheel flares also accent the exterior.
Other exterior features include an all-black grille and surround, black bumpers, black-bezel premium lighting, black badges, black wheel-to-wheel side steps, and dual four-inch black exhaust tips.
Inside, the trucks represent each of the five military branches with accent color stitching: Light Frost, Light Ambassador Blue, Light Diesel Gray, Medium Greystone, or Orange. “Built to Serve”-embroidered Velcro panels on each front seat and additional Velcro panels on each front seat inboard shoulder panel also accent the interior. Buyers can apply their own patches as well.
The edition also includes:
- “Built to Serve” instrument panel badge
- Lockable console storage (optional)
- Cloth and vinyl sport seats
- Black Onyx Chrome interior trim
- All-weather rubber slush mats
The trucks are off-road capable with:
- All-terrain tires
- Electronic-locking rear axle
- Hill-descent control
- Front suspension skid plate
- Steering gear skid plate
- Fuel tank skid plate
- Transfer case skid plate
- Tow hooks
- Heavy-duty off-road-calibrated front and rear shock absorbers
Ram Built to Serve packages are available on all body styles and powertrains.
According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, about 7 percent of the U.S. population is an active member, reserve member, or veteran of the armed services.
As part of its Built to Serve initiative, Ram is bringing further attention to its volunteer initiative, Ram Nation. It has been organizing volunteer events since 2015 and is recruiting individuals to volunteer in their own communities.
