Technology to Save Customers 60 Million Gallons of Fuel Annually

* All-new Frame and Suspension improves ride and handling, quietness and
driving dynamics
* All-new Interior features redesigned instrument panel, center console,
seats and entertainment features
* Bold, New Exterior includes redesigned fascia, grille, headlamps,
fenders and wheels
* Best-in-class Power achieved with 5.7-liter HEMI(R) V-8 engine that
generates 345 horsepower and 375 lb.-ft. of torque

CHELSEA, Mich., June 16 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Consumers have a lot of
reasons to get "pumped" about the new 2006 Dodge Ram 1500.
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050616/DETH003 )
In addition to being the first pickup truck to offer Chrysler Group's MDS
technology, the new 2006 Dodge Ram 1500 -- the most powerful light-duty pickup
truck on the market -- boasts an all-new frame and suspension, an all-new
interior, and an even bolder new Dodge Ram exterior. The new truck arrives in
Dodge dealerships this fall.
"The boldest and most powerful light-duty pickup on the market just got
better," said Darryl Jackson, Vice President - Dodge Marketing, Chrysler
Group. "Packed with refinement, technology, best-in-class HEMI power and a
new bold appearance, the new 2006 Dodge Ram 1500 continues to lead the
competition. And in true Dodge fashion, we will offer our new Ram at an
incredible value."
The new 2006 Dodge Ram 1500 is the first pickup truck and latest Chrysler
Group vehicle to feature standard MDS with the 5.7-liter HEMI. Without
compromising its best-in-class 345 horsepower, the new 2006 Dodge Ram 1500's
HEMI V-8 engine seamlessly alternates between four-cylinder mode when less
power is needed and V-8 mode when more power is in demand.
"Chrysler Group was the first to offer a modern cylinder-deactivation
system, the first to offer MDS in an SUV and now the first to offer MDS in a
pickup truck," said Mike Donoughe, Vice President - Body-on-frame Product
Team. "By offering MDS as a standard feature on the HEMI-powered Dodge Ram
1500, customers will experience the most powerful and capable V-8 engine in
the pickup truck market, with an improvement in fuel economy of up to 20
percent."
With the introduction of the new 2006 Dodge Ram 1500, 60 million gallons
of fuel will be saved annually by 2007 thanks to the HEMI V-8 engine's MDS
technology -- to be offered on seven large-volume Chrysler Group vehicles by
year's end.
Chrysler Group's MDS-equipped lineup also includes the HEMI-powered
Chrysler 300C, Jeep(R) Grand Cherokee, Dodge Charger, Dodge Magnum and Dodge
Durango, with the all-new 2007 Jeep Commander arriving in showrooms this fall.
By 2007, Chrysler Group will have nearly 1 million vehicles on the road with
MDS.

IMPROVED RIDE AND HANDLING
Building on the previous Dodge Ram 1500's superior ride quality, the new
2006 Dodge Ram 1500 again raises the bar with an all-new hydroformed, fully-
boxed frame and suspension that deliver a smooth, confident and highly capable
driving experience.
The Dodge Ram 1500 4x4 model utilizes a new coil-over shock absorber and
double wishbone front suspension. Mounting the shock absorber inside the coil
spring enables four-wheel-drive models to benefit from the coil spring's added
tuning characteristics.
All 2006 Dodge Ram 1500 models feature monotube shock absorbers that
deliver a controlled, steady and predictable ride with superb handling. In
addition, the new 2006 Dodge Ram 1500 features retuned springs, jounce bumpers
and suspension bushings.
The new 2006 Dodge Ram 1500's Hotchkiss-design rear suspension utilizes
leaf springs that are designed to reduce wheel hop and improve durability.
Spring rates have been selected to provide a poised ride when unloaded, and
stable, confident handling when fully loaded to its 6,800-lb. Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating (GVWR).
A rack-and-pinion steering system with new steering gears on both the two-
and four-wheel-drive Dodge Ram 1500 models provides a precise and firm
steering feel.

ALL-NEW INTERIOR
The interior of the new 2006 Dodge Ram 1500 complements the bold exterior
by taking luxury and refinement to new levels in the pickup truck market.
Enhanced driver and passenger comfort and more feature content is abundant
inside the new 2006 Dodge Ram 1500.
Driver and passengers will experience an interior environment that is 20
percent quieter than the previous Dodge Ram 1500, achieved by employing
laminated front-door glass and improved door seals. In addition, extensive
use of Polymer Constraint Layer (PCL) and new body mounts reduces road noise
and resonance between the engine and cabin.
All-new seats, including optional bucket seats with available leather
trim, provide substantial bolstering and generous support while adding a rich
appearance to the new 2006 Dodge Ram 1500's interior.
A new instrument panel cluster -- placed underneath a redesigned cluster
brow -- is designed to reduce glare, and a new, wide center stack contains a
new audio system and new heating, ventilation and air-conditioning controls.
Premium amenities -- including a new GPS Navigation radio, new rear-seat
DVD (Quad Cab(TM) only), Infinity(R) sound system, UConnect(TM) hands-free
communication system, SIRIUS Satellite Radio, sun roof, adjustable pedals,
dual-zone climate control, heated seats and a new power-sliding rear window --
are available on the new 2006 Dodge Ram 1500.

EVEN BOLDER RAM DESIGN
Dodge Ram's distinguished and bold "big rig" design is expressed in
greater magnitude in the new 2006 Dodge Ram 1500. A chrome crosshair grille
with surround collar and new distinctive headlamps retain Dodge Ram's robust
and chiseled front-end appearance.
The 2006 Dodge Ram 1500's new fully chrome, ingot-like grille highlights a
massive front bumper, creating a bold, protective appearance. The substantial
grille remains a mainstay of the Dodge Ram design signature, with the large
crosshair as the focal point. Moved to the center of the crosshair from the
top of the grille is the signature Ram's head.
Large angular headlamp modules on the new 2006 Dodge Ram 1500 provide 22
percent more light intensity and 40 percent improved beam spectrum than the
previous Dodge Ram 1500.

POWERFUL ENGINE LINEUP
The new 2006 Dodge Ram 1500 offers three powerful engines, including the
5.7-liter HEMI V-8 with MDS, providing a best-in-class 345 horsepower and 375
lb.-ft of torque.
"With a 58 percent take rate, the HEMI continues to resonate with
consumers and is extremely popular among Dodge Ram Light Duty customers," said
Jackson.
With 300 lb.-ft. of torque, the Magnum(R) 4.7-liter V-8 provides smooth
and responsive performance, and is available with a five-speed automatic
transmission.
The 3.7-liter Magnum V-6 engine is standard on the two-wheel-drive Dodge
Ram 1500 regular cab and the two-wheel-drive Quad Cab with the standard bed
configuration. The 3.7-liter Magnum V-6 delivers 215 horsepower and 235 lb.-
ft. of torque.
The 3.7-liter Magnum V-6 and the 4.7-liter Magnum V-8 engines feature a
standard Getrag six-speed manual transmission.

NEW LEVELS OF EFFICIENCY
The new 2006 Dodge Ram 1500 leaps to new heights in performance and
efficiency in the full-size pickup segment, providing the most state-of-the-
art technology available to meet the needs of today's pickup truck buyers.
Dodge engineers perfected several areas of the Dodge Ram 1500 -- from
powertrain to aerodynamics -- to create a more fuel-efficient light-duty,
full-size pickup truck.
With the 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine, the Dodge Ram 1500 is the most
powerful light-duty pickup truck in the market. Without compromising its
venerable power, the new 2006 Dodge Ram 1500's HEMI V-8 engine features the
first-ever fully functioning cylinder deactivation system -- MDS -- on a
pickup truck. Customers receive the powerful benefit of the HEMI V-8 engine
with the fuel economy that they -- until now -- could only expect from a
smaller, less powerful engine.
The HEMI V-8 engine can transition from eight cylinders to four in 40
milliseconds (0.040 seconds) -- quicker than the blink of an eye. Improved
fuel economy is realized without any change in customer experience as drivers
receive the benefit of MDS without changing their driving habits. Customers
will experience fuel economy gains of up to 20 percent under certain driving
conditions.
A new Variable Line Pressure (VLP) transmission for the 2006 Dodge Ram
1500 with the 3.7-liter V-6 engine improves fuel economy and provides smoother
shifts between gears.
Adding to the fuel-efficiency formula, the 2006 Dodge Ram 1500 4x4 model
is equipped with a front-axle-disconnect system, designed to disengage the
front-axle driveshaft when operating in two-wheel drive. This minimizes the
front-drive syst***s energy consumption and improves fuel economy.
The 2006 Dodge Ram 1500 also features new reduce-drag brake calipers, low-
rolling resistance tires and a rear spoiler to improve vehicle aerodynamics.
The spoiler is positioned on the rear liftgate.

VERSATILE CABS
The new 2006 Dodge Ram 1500 is available in regular cab and Quad Cab body
styles, in both two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive, and with six-foot or
eight-foot beds. Available trim levels are ST, Sport, SLT and Laramie. A
Mega Cab body style will also be available this fall.
The Dodge Ram Quad Cab features four standard doors, available 60/40
folding rear seats and a folding load floor that ensures both passengers and
gear fit in the back simultaneously and comfortably. By allowing seats to
fold up, tools and other items may be securely locked away. The Dodge Ram
regular cab offers just as much flexibility, with storage behind rear seats
and enough seat travel for ease in reclining of driver and passenger seats.
Both the Dodge Ram Quad Cab and regular cab feature numerous front-seat
storage areas and convenience features. The 40/20/40 front seat provides
comfortable seating for three or ample center storage for one or two
occupants. The center console offers room for a laptop computer and features
fold-down storage dividers. The center "20" portion of the seat offers
additional "hidden" storage under the cushion.

FOUR-WHEEL-DRIVE SYSTEM
The 2006 Dodge Ram 1500 4x4 model offers a new standard electronic-shift
transfer case, with the more fuel-efficient, disconnecting front axle. The
new on-demand four-wheel-drive system includes two-wheel-drive and four-wheel-
drive "high" and "low" modes, plus a new four-wheel-drive "auto" mode that
provides torque to the front axle only when required.

DUAL-MODE TOW/HAUL FEATURE
The 2006 Dodge Ram 1500 also offers a "Tow/Haul" feature that provides
crisp shifts and reduces gear searching, and an "Overdrive Off" mode that
delivers maximum trailer towing performance. These systems will also select a
lower gear in downhill conditions in order to utilize the engine's braking
capability.

DODGE RAM TRUCK LEADERSHIP
Dodge Ram continues to strengthen its leadership position as the dominant
truck brand with a lineup long on superlatives:
* Most POWERFUL pickup: Dodge Ram 1500 with legendary HEMI power is the
most powerful mass production light-duty pickup on the market
* FASTEST pickup: Dodge Ram SRT10 is the Guinness Book of World Records'
fastest production pickup
* STRONGEST pickup: Dodge Ram Heavy Duty Cummins Turbo Diesel is the
strongest pickup on the market, with 610 lb.-ft. of class-dominating torque
* Most CAPABLE pickup: Dodge Ram Power Wagon is the most capable off-
road factory pickup ever created
* LARGEST pickup cab: Dodge Ram Mega Cab will be the most spacious and
versatile pickup on the market

CHELSEA, Mich. (Reuters) -- Chrysler gave automotive journalists a sneak peek on Thursday at its all-new Dodge Ram 1500 pickup truck, which comes equipped with fuel-saving technology and goes on sale in the fall.

The U.S. arm of Germany's DaimlerChrysler took the wraps off the truck, which is key to its future profits, at its closely guarded proving grounds in this rural town west of Detroit.

Like the model it replaces, the rugged 2006 Ram packs a 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 engine, which generates 345 horsepower and gives Chrysler bragging rights as the maker of the most powerful light-duty pickup on the market.

But the new truck also comes with a standard cylinder deactivation system, which allows the engine to alternate seamlessly between V-8 mode and four-cylinder mode when less power is in demand.

Chrysler says the system, which it already offers on other vehicles including the Hemi-powered version of its 300 sedan, can improve fuel economy up to 20 percent.

That should be welcome news to consumers, as U.S. gasoline prices continue to hover near record highs.

Chrysler spokesman Colin McBean cautioned that fuel savings on the new truck, as gauged by what he called the conservative estimates of the Environmental Protection Agency, may only work out to about one mile per gallon, however.

Dodge Introduces the Largest Pickup Cab Ever

Offers Best-in-class Interior Room and Comfort
Largest, longest cab – 145.2 cubic feet,111.1 inches long
Largest interior cargo volume – 71 cubic feet
Largest cargo volume behind rear seat – 7.6 cubic feet
Largest flat floor load area – 24.9 square feet
Largest second-row leg room – 44.2 inches
Largest rear door opening – 34.5 inches wide, 35.5 inches high
Largest rear door open angle – 85 degrees
In the quest to make pickup truck cabs more spacious, more comfortable and more practical, the all-new 2006 Dodge Ram Mega Cab extends beyond the competition with the largest pickup cab ever. With class-leading interior room and comfort for six adult passengers and their gear, the Dodge Ram Mega Cab is in a class all its own.


The all-new 2006 Dodge Ram Mega Cab further solidifies the Dodge Ram truck lineup’s long list of leadership claims: fastest, strongest, most powerful, most capable – and now, most spacious and versatile.


“Packaged with full-size Ram capability, the all-new 2006 Dodge Ram Mega Cab offers the most interior passenger space, cargo capacity and functionality of any pickup truck on the market,” said Darryl Jackson, Vice President, Dodge Marketing, Chrysler Group. “Dodge Ram Mega Cab is the first and only pickup truck to comfortably seat six adults and provide enough interior storage space to bring along plenty of gear.


“Since the year 2000, demand for full-size crew cab pickup trucks has grown approximately 19 percent – and Dodge is responding with the spacious, capable and powerful 2006 Dodge Ram Mega Cab,” added Jackson.


The all-new 2006 Dodge Ram Mega Cab’s 145.2 cubic feet of interior space features the industry’s most innovative seating and storage configurations, including the first reclining rear seats available in a pickup truck, tilting back from a 22 to 37 degree seatback angle for added comfort. The rear-passenger area of the Dodge Ram Mega Cab offers best-in-class leg room of 44.2 inches and the rear seats also split 60/40, fold down and move forward, providing numerous configurations for maximum interior cargo capacity and flexibility.


“Pickup truck buyers use their truck in a variety of different situations,” said Jackson. “They use it for their daily driver, family road trips, and various recreational activities. The all-new 2006 Dodge Ram Mega Cab delivers ultimate versatility, offering the most functionally diverse cab ever created for pickup truck buyers who want more room, comfort and convenience.”

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