2019 RAM Mojave Sand Package could come to Oz

The wraps have come off the 2019 RAM 1500 Classic Warlock Mojave Sand Package, a kit for the previous-generation RAM 1500 ute that is currently sold in Australia.

The full-sized dual-cab pick-up truck is powered by the sought-after 5.7-litre V8 (291kW/556Nm) that has helped boost Aussie sales of the circa-$80,000 RAM 1500 more than 550 per cent in 2019.

The special edition Warlock Mojave Sand Package updates the RAM 1500 Classic's appearance via a new front grille, powder-coated rear bumper, a sports performance 'hood', black 20-inch alloy wheels and a unique Mojave Sand exterior paint job.

The chassis also gets a one-inch factory-fitted lift kit, increasing ground clearance.

Back in 1976, the first Dodge Warlock pick-up was a concept study that featured loads of factory extras, such as the raised suspension and big wheels, sports seats and even oak sideboards.

Rivalling the Ford F-150 and Chevrolet Silverado 1500, the new RAM 1500 Classic model is pegged at a low $US35,345 ($A52,000) in the USA.

However, if it were offered in Australia it would likely be priced above the entry-level $79,950 drive-away price on the V8-powered RAM 1500.

Although RAM Trucks Australia has not confirmed the new Mojave Sand Package for the RAM 1500 Down Under, the importer hasn't ruled out the Michigan-made desert dueler either.

"We treat every model on a case by case basis," said RAM Trucks Australia's media consultant, Oliver Peagam.

"We'll always look at any model that's available to our market," he told carsales.com.au.

There is strong demand for up-spec, tough-looking dual-cab utes in Australia, which kicked off with the Ranger Raptor and is continuing with models like the Toyota HiLux Rugged, HSV SportsCat and now the Nissan Navara N-TREK Warrior.

Expect to see a lot more activity from RAM Trucks in Australia in the near future, as the brand seeks to import and convert the new-generation RAM 1500 in the next year or so, as executives pour cold water on right-hand drive factory vehicles.

Research and development of a smaller one-tonne RAM ute to rival the Toyota HiLux also continues, to be produced at the brand's Saltillo, Mexico plant from 2021 – and unlike the RAM 1500 is almost certain to be sold in Australia direct from the factory.

But as it stands the only RAM Trucks available in Oz are the bigger, more expensive models that dominate new car sales in the USA.

While the RAM 1500 is a larger, more powerful and more expensive US-built ute than the chiefly Thai-made dual-cab utes that dominate sales in Australia, such as the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux, RAM Trucks are continuing to grab more market share in Australia, with sales up from 300 in the first nine months of 2018 to 1960 for the same period in 2019.

RAM Trucks sold in Australia are imported here as left-hand drive vehicles, then converted to right-hand drive by the Walkinshaw Group for ASV, at a factory in Clayton, Victoria. ASV is owned by FCA’s New Zealand distributor Ateco Group, and the factory is currently running 24-hour shifts to keep up with buyer demand.

The RAM 1500 is the big seller for the importer in Australia and while there is a newer 2020 model available in the USA, Aussie buyers get the superseded RAM 1500 'Classic' model which continues to be built alongside the newer utes in the USA.

It's understood RAM Trucks Australia will begin converting and selling the new-generation RAM 1500, which features improved safety and utility, from later in 2020, as previously reported.