The Ateco Group imports RAM's full-size trucks from the US and converts them to right-hand drive in Melbourne with the help of Walkinshaw Automotive. The facility covers 16,025 square metres, light duty RAM 1500 models on one line and heavy duty 2500 and 3500 diesel-powered models on another.
The facility's size isn't the only thing that has grown- 641 employees now work for RAM, making it the biggest Australian automotive manufacturer.
"Australia is a super important market for us outside of North America, and the growth that we've seen here over the last few years has been phenomenal," Head of RAM International Bob Grazyk said when visiting the Australian operations.
In 2013, Walkinshaw Automotive Group began converting pick-ups for the Australian and New Zealand markets. To date, a total of 18,019 have been converted. Australia is RAM's largest market outside of the US.
As of September 2022, RAM have sold 4153 trucks - a 45% increase from the previous year. The vast majority of sales come from the light duty 1500 model, with the 2500 and 3500 models coming in second and third place respectively.
RAM isn't the only brand that converts full-size trucks locally in Australia; Chevrolet also imports the Silverado. The Ford F-150 will join the competition in 2023, also locally converted. Toyota is also likely to enter the market with the Tundra.
Source: Whichcar
