2010 Heavy-Duty Rams now shipping

The first 2010 Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 pickups are on their way to dealers. Production began last week in Saltillo, Mexico and the trucks should be on dealer lots within three weeks.

The big Rams are the first new products that will be coming from Chrysler for the 2010 model year. New vehicle development came to a halt while Chrysler was owned by Cerberus Capital Management as the financial holding company desperately sought to cut costs over the past year.

The new pickup incorporates many of the changes that appeared on the 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 pickup. A new crew cab is available, giving Dodge an entry into a body style that accounts for nearly half of all heavy-duty pickup sales. In addition, there’s a significantly upgraded interior, increased towing capacity and a smoother ride that uses a hydraulic spring at the rear of the cab to reduce bouncing. Buyers can select a 383-horsepower 5.7-liter HEMI or a 6.7-liter, 350-horsepower Cummins Turbo Diesel engine with 650 pounds-feet of torque.

The big Ram pickups recently received the “Heavy Duty Pickup of Texas” award from the Texas Auto Writers Association.