(March 8, 2011) INDIANAPOLIS — The Ram truck brand today unveiled its new 2012 Ram Cargo Van.

The Ram Cargo Van — or Ram C/V — is built on the Dodge minivan platform features solid sliding door, rear quarter window and backlight privacy panels in place of clear glass windows.

However, buyers have the option of equipping their Ram C/V with several combinations of solid and glass panels, including a choice of solid or glass backlight.

“We see growth in the Class 1 light commercial vehicle market,” said Fred Diaz, President and CEO – Ram Truck Brand and Lead Executive for U.S. Sales, Chrysler Group. “With its class-leading capability and a lower total cost of ownership, the highly versatile Ram Cargo Van is a great vehicle choice for small businesses and commercial fleets.”

The Ram Cargo Van also receives a structural aluminum rear load floor. Two flooring options will be available, including one with a flat, uninterrupted, high-capacity surface. A second, optional floor provides through-the-floor access to three exclusive storage bins and load floor tie-downs.

With more than 25 years of minivan engineering behind it, and as the inventor of the first minivan-based cargo van, the Ram Truck brand understands the versatility needs for both small and large businesses. Ram C/V utilizes the convenience features and city-friendly dimensions that have made Chrysler Group minivans segment leaders, while maximizing cargo, convenience and capability attributes.

Ram C/V offers small businesses many competitive advantages. Among them, Ram C/V provides a Class 1 commercial vehicle-leading 1,800-pound cargo payload and category-exclusive towing capability, up to 3,600 pounds. A 20-gallon fuel tank and 25 mpg highway also deliver best-in-class fuel range.

Ram Cargo Van is engineered to meet small business and commercial needs. A commercial-tuned ride and heavy-duty load-leveling suspension offer maximum hauling capability. Ram C/V has a maximum Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) of 8,750 pounds.

With standard electronic stability control, commercial load-tuned tire-pressure monitoring, four-wheel anti-lock disc brake system and ideal command-of-the road seating, the Ram Cargo Van offers capability, comfort and convenience with great road manners.

At the heart of the 2012 Ram Cargo Van is the new, 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine mated to a smooth-shifting six-speed automatic transaxle. The Pentastar V-6 is a high-tech, high-performing engine with variable valve timing that hits the sweet spot between power and efficiency. It delivers best-in-class horsepower (283) and torque (260 lb.-ft.) without sacrificing fuel economy.