NATURAL GAS DODGE RAM VAN AND WAGON ADD ANOTHER OPTION FOR FULL-SIZE VAN BUYERS

The 1998 model year was an important one for the Dodge Ram Van and Wagon, with the first significant model change in more than 20 years. For 1999, a new natural gas version of this workhorse will attract even more conversion, fleet and commercial customers seeking a reliable, economical and user-friendly full-size van.

"We worked closely with our fleet, commercial and conversion customers to build a versatile vehicle that could easily and economically be adapted to fit their varied needs," said Jim Julow, General Manager - Dodge Division. "In addition, we made them quieter and more ergonomically friendly in order to handle the extreme work cycles that each vehicle is put through."

The focus for the full-size van team was to build a vehicle that was easier and more enjoyable to use in every situation, whether it be heavy-duty work cycles or recreation. The front rails of the Ram Van and Wagon's unibody chassis are extended to accommodate the 4.5-inch forward relocation of the V-8 engine, minimizing the "doghouse" intrusion into the interior while enhancing crush performance for better occupant protection. Overall body stiffness has been improved through computer structural design analysis, designed to maximize both vehicle durability and impact performance objectives. In addition, overall body dimensional variation is reduced by 40 percent.

Interior design improvements include a new instrument panel with dual air bags, new upper-range speakers, and more conveniently located controls, switches and gauges. A new steering column coupler with a new instrument panel structure and a lighter four-spoke steering wheel provide reduced column shake and improve driver isolation from road disturbances. Vehicle ride and handling is further improved via a retuned front and rear suspension, which also yields increased gross vehicle weight ratings (GVWR).

Engine offerings for the Ram Van and Wagon include the Magnum 3.9-liter V-6, 5.2-liter V-8 and 5.9-liter V-8. The 5.9-liter engine features a new camshaft that boosts output to 245 horsepower and 335 lb.-ft. of torque. Transmission offerings include three-speed (V-6 only) and electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmissions.

New front and rear brakes with twin piston calipers and greater lining volume reduce stopping distance, reduce drag and increase brake life. Heavy-duty brake pedal feel is greatly improved, while the parking brake has a quieter, more car-like operation. Rear-wheel anti-lock brakes with improved service diagnostics are standard on all models. The optional next-generation four-wheel anti-lock brakes reduce stopping distances and improve directional control during braking.

The molded composite fuel tank has been moved forward of the rear axle and inside of the frame rail in order to allow the relocation of the spare tire to the underbody and enlarge interior storage capacity.

Dodge Re-Enters Natural Gas Business

The natural gas Ram Van & Wagon represent a return to the natural gas vehicle (NGV) market for Dodge after a two-year absence. Dodge took the leadership role in the production of low emission full-size vans in 1993 with the introduction of the natural gas powered Ram Van & Wagon, the first to meet Low Emission Vehicle (LEV) standards. The 1994 Ram Van & Wagon was the first to meet Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV) standards. After suspending production in 1996, Dodge began evaluating new manufacturing techniques, storage tank and emission reduction technology and the market potential for natural gas vehicles. Dodge returns for 1999 with a vehicle that will not only meet the even cleaner Super Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV) requirements, but will be offered at a significantly reduced price to previous models due to advances in fuel storage technology.

"The new Ram Van and Wagon represent the state-of-the-art in NGV system design," said Mike Clement, Chrysler's Manager-Alternative Fuel Vehicle Sales and Marketing. "With a newly designed fuel tank, these vehicles will be able to store up to 46 percent more fuel than our previous NGVs for an extended driving range."

The Dodge Ram Van and Wagon are available in 1500, 2500 and 3500 models as well as three body lengths and two wheelbases.