Ram 1500 Classic to Continue for 2021?

Ram insiders aren’t commenting but it appears that the automaker’s Ram 1500 Classic will continue for 2021. The decision to build a Classic version of the popular truck in 2019 was a brilliant one. Given the brutal conditions that COVID-19 has created for automakers, continuing it could be a life saver.

Brilliant Marketing Strategy

Ram unveiled a new fifth-generation of the Ram 1500 in 2019, but decided to build a brand-new version of the older fourth-generation truck as a way to let consumers purchase a new but more affordable pickup. The 2019 Ram Classic was a strong seller and helped Ram unseat the Chevrolet Silverado for second place in the pickup truck wars, last year. So far in 2020, Chevy has regained the number two spot. Ford's F-Series is still the top-selling truck.

When Ram announced the decision to sell the older and new models at the same time, Mike Manley, who is now Fiat Chrysler CEO said the company wanted to make sure that they build enough Rams to satisfy every customer who wants to buy one. “As we launch the all-new 2019 Ram 1500, we didn’t want to walk away from a key part of the light-duty truck market. Ram will continue to produce the 1500 Classic targeted at entry and commercial buyers.”

That strategy continues. In 2021, the Ram 1500 Classic will still target entry level and commercial buyers. The 2021 Ram 1500 Classic will reportedly have a starting price of $30,145 on a two-wheel-drive model with a V6 engine. Fox Business News is reporting that the base price for the fifth-generation 2021 Ram 1500 will be $33,940 next year.

Ram 1500 Classic’s History

What is now the Ram 1500 Classic, the fourth-generation truck first started back as a 2009 model. It has won several awards over the years. While Ram isn’t commenting on the future production, it also isn’t saying where the truck will be built. Currently, the Ram 1500 Classic is built at the Warren Truck Assembly Plant alongside the Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer. Some other versions of the Ram 1500 Classic are being built at the Saltillo Truck Assembly Plant, in Saltillo, Mexico.

Now that the information has been leaked, look for Ram to make an official comment about the 2021 Ram 1500 Classic fairly soon.

Follow Mary Conway at @maryconwaymedia and send her car news tips for future stories.