Ram 1500 Tradesman for Small Businessmen

The pickup truck segment in the US continues to remain one of the most important on the market, making it the ideal battle ground for the major producers who sell here. After earlier this week Ford announced the start of production for the best-in-class towing capacity F-Series Super Duty, Ram, Chrysler's newest brand, fights back with a something smaller, but equally as appealing.

Enter the Ram 1500 Tradesman, a model built with “small businessmen” and their needs in mind. Coming as a new trim package, the version offers a little bit of everything, with upgrades brought to both its features and mechanics/performance.

First off, the model comes with everything you usually get on the Ram 1500 ST and adds a standard HEMI engine linked to a five-speed automatic transmission. The unit is capable of developing 390 hp and 407 ft.-lb. torque and delivers, for the 4x2 version, 20 mpg.

Otherwise, the Tradesman features standard Class IV trailer hitch with lighted, above-bumper four- and seven-pin trailer wire connectors, multi-link rear coil suspension and 17-inch full-face painted steel wheels.

On the interior, the model gets air conditioning, 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.

Ram will be selling the new addition to the 1500 line for $22,780, including $975 destination charge, but only from the second quarter of the year, when it reaches dealerships.