Following a strong year filled with both commercial and critical success, Chrysler is increasing production of its Ram 1500 pickup truck. The 32 percent increase was spurred on by positive reports on the housing industry as well as a better-than-expected 2012 and will primarily affect its Warren assembly plant in Michigan, Dallas News reports.
While Chrysler wouldn't comment on manufacturing specifics, an internal memo revealed that production would grow from 227,000 in 2012 to more than 300,000 this year, the news source reports.
In 2012, Ram sold more than 293,000 trucks, which was almost a 20 percent increase from the year before, USA Today reports. After winning North American Truck of the Year at the Detroit Auto Show, among other awards, the truck received a surge in popularity. News that the automobile would also get some auto repair in the form of more engine types also boosted interest.
According to The Detroit Free Press, Ram will face tough competition from the Ford F-series, which is traditionally a top seller, as well as the redesigned Chevy Silverado, Toyota Tundra and GMC Sierra. Ford and General Motors brands will likely sell more in 2013, but a strong push from Ram only bodes well for the future.