The 1500 is in high demand.
Pickup trucks aren’t the only problem in the auto industry. Despite the semiconductor shortage and the coronavirus pandemic, pickup trucks have not seen a drop in demand. Ram’s new overseer Stellantis has had to ramp up pickup truck production. According to the Detroit Free Press, skilled trades workers will soon clock 84-hour workweeks in order to build the 1500.
The automaker is increasing the hours at its Sterling Heights Assembly Plant in Michigan. This plant produces the 1500. The workers will work seven days a week, with seven days off. However, the Free Press received complaints from the affected workers. Many workers told the publication they are frustrated by the long, disruptive shifts. However, the alternative would have required them to work even more disruptive hours.
In May last year, Ram 1500 demand strained dealer supply. Reuters reported dealers were concerned about running out of inventory. While sales fell by 90,000 trucks in 2020 due to the coronavirus, Ram sold over 500,000 pickups. High demand meant Ford was unable to fulfill the demand for its F-150 redesigned late last year. Dealers saw trucks sell within hours of their arrival at showrooms.
Ram still managed to take the America’s third best-selling vehicle in 2020. This was a close challenge for the Chevy Silverado. As 2021 progresses, the introduction of the Ram 1500 TRX (702-horsepower/523-watt) Ram 1500 should help to increase demand. This truck, which is high-powered and has a long history of being a reliable competitor to the Ford F-150 Raptor, is the brand’s response. Stellantis workers will work hard to ensure that the TRX makes it to the desert this year.