|
Gone
Too Soon? Stellantis
Fleet announced on October 23, 2025, that due to unforeseen circumstances, the
2026 model year Ram 1500 DT HEMI (5.7L V8) has been discontinued for MY26. The
Ram 1500 DT can still be configured with either a 3.6L V6 24V VVT eTorque engine or the 3.0L Hurricane SO twin-turbo engine.
Stellantis
Is Redefining Hybrid The
all-new Ram 1500 REV is the world's first range-extended, full-size electric
pickup truck, featuring a gas-powered onboard generator. It will utilize an
electric battery pack paired with a 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine to generate
mechanical power. The truck is expected to deliver a 690-mile driving range,
647 horsepower, and a 14,000-lb towing capacity, with projected availability in
2026.
The
Return Ram
CEO Tim Kuniskis has confirmed that the ProMaster City
is returning to North America. The compact van was last sold in the region for
the 2022 model year. With the Ford Transit Connect, Mercedes-Benz Metris, and
Nissan NV200 having exited the market in recent years, the returning Ram will
have the compact van segment largely to itself.
Ford's
Big Aluminum Issue Novelis'
Oswego plant fire is not the only thing that went up in flames last quarter.
Ford says it has taken a $2 billion hit from the fires in 2025. Ford's top
aluminum supplier, Novelis, suffered a major setback after a fire at its Oswego
plant on Tuesday, September 15, 2025, with a second fire occurring in November
2025. The Oswego facility supplies roughly 40% of the aluminum sheets used by
U.S. automakers, with Ford being the largest customer. Other manufacturers
impacted by the fire include Toyota, Hyundai, Stellantis, and Volkswagen.
Novelis won't reopen until sometime this summer. In the meantime, the company
will continue to ship aluminum to the U.S. from other plants in Switzerland and
South Korea. Ford says it will likely lose about 100,000 units of F-Series
production. The company plans to add 1,000 jobs this year to recoup those lost
units. Spotlight:
The Ford Maverick The Ford Maverick earned a spot on Consumer
Reports' Top 10 Best Cars list, recognized for being small, affordable,
efficient, and capable. Its standard 2.5L hybrid engine delivers best-in-class
fuel efficiency, achieving around 42 MPG city, making it one of the most
economical pickup options available. The Maverick continues to offer a
compelling combination of value, capability, and fuel economy, with a starting
MSRP of approximately $28,145.
GM
Medium-Duty Trucks GM
announced on November 12, 2025, that ordering has opened for 2026 model year
Medium-Duty Trucks. The lineup includes the Chevrolet Silverado 4500HD, 5500HD,
and 6500HD. Start of production is scheduled for February 2026. The vehicles
are 99% carryover, with the only changes related to
the radio and tire offerings.
GM Light-Duty
Trucks Cut-Off GM
announced on October 13, 2025, that 2026 model year Silverado and Sierra 1500
Regular and Double Cab models will be cut off early. The Double Cab models will
cut off on January 13, 2026, while the Regular Cab models will cut off on March
16, 2026. Build-out is expected in late March for Double Cabs and late June for
Regular Cabs.
The
Next Big Thing GM
has officially confirmed that the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500
will undergo a complete redesign. Rumors point to the introduction of a new V8
engine and a potential plug-in hybrid option. GM is also investing in its
Michigan transmission plant, signaling a possible major upgrade to its 10-speed
automatic transmission. GM led U.S. full-size pickup sales in 2025, with
combined Silverado and Sierra sales reaching a 20-year high, setting the stage
for continued momentum into 2026. The redesigned trucks are expected to debut
in the second quarter of 2026, with ordering to follow in the subsequent
quarter.
2/18/26 |
