Ram Truck parent Stellantis has not only updated its fleet vehicle offerings for 2026, but it has also increased its focus on fleet customers through its product support mechanisms.
On the vehicle side, 2025 and 2026 RAM HDs now have an updated 6.7L Cummins engine and ZF Torque Flight 8-speed transmissions.
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"There are big advantages of both those updates, number one, the 6.7L Cummins is much more serviceable from a fleet perspective," says Chris O'Dea, head of fleet market requirements for Stellantis. "We went to top-load cartridges for both the oil and the fuel filters, so there's much more easy access for your service needs. We also went back to a cast iron block.
"We focused on longevity for our fleet customers that are using these [trucks] as revenue-generating, purpose-built vehicles," O'Dea says. "We also went away from a grid heater and to the glow plug."
In addition, O'Dea says a 6.4L gasoline engine is available in Ram's heavy-duty applications, the 2500 through 5500.
"Our ZF power line, which is also new this year, adds flexibility for our customer and upfitters when it comes to the capabilities of that transmission," O'Dea says.
PTO versatility
"Specifically, the PTO capability. We went to an eight speed versus the outgoing six speed that we had in our prior generation truck. The eight speed gives the advantage of two extra speeds, which gives you flexibility with the spec'ing of the vehicle.
"Prior, you had to select certain gear ratios based on your use case; that eight speed now takes that away," O'Dea says. "That transmission also gives you right or left side PTO, as well as dual PTO applications. Prior, it was either a right or a left.
"On top of that, you also get live drive capabilities, which we didn't have before," O'Dea says.
Renewed fleet focus
Through expanded service and telematics, Stellantis has recommitted to fleet customers.
"The telematics box that delivers data is standard across the board on all Ram products," says Amy Baker, director of fleet marketing for Stellantis. "So it's not an optional thing you have to add. You have the capability to take that embedded vehicle data and use it for preventive maintenance and lower the total cost of ownership, fuel usage, and geofencing.
"All of that can be pulled directly off every single Ram truck," Baker says.
Ram's Mobile Sites group can also work with a fleet's existing telematics provider or its own Connect Fleet group to serve customers.
"Another important change we've made recently is increasing our Mopar service staff, in which we have dedicated fleet Mopar reps," Baker says. "We have full focus on fleet, not just from the sales side, but also the service side, with the reps and technical advisors."
About the Author
Frank Raczon
Raczon’s writing career spans nearly 25 years, including magazine publishing and public relations work with some of the industry’s major equipment manufacturers. He has won numerous awards in his career, including nods from the Construction Writers Association, the Association of Equipment Manufacturers, and BtoB magazine. He is responsible for the magazine's Buying Files.