I drove on the A2 the other day, and I saw at least fifteen Dodge RAM's.
It's immensely popular in the Netherlands, try to count them from now on.
This is the fifth generation, which has been around in the USA since the spring of 2018.
Slowly it's finding its way into Europe. It's not called Dodge anymore however,
it's now a RAM 1500.
American cars seem to be incredibly popular in the Netherlands these days. The Tesla Model S for example,
that was the second-best selling car in our country last month. This RAM 1500 is the best selling pick up truck on our country.
They might not be built for our cramped towns and small parking spaces,
but they perfectly fit in our Dutch tax environment.
It's clear that the Tesla is being loved because it's an electrical car,
and this RAM perfectly fits within the gray licensing legislature. It's a very spacious five-seater with a crew cab,
and because the truck bed is over 1.50 m., you can put it on a gray license.
That means the road tax only is €50 to €60 a month.
Of course, this is the ultimate car for the entrepreneur who likes to tow something.
This is allowed to tow up to 3.500 kg, but that's mostly for show.
If it's allowed to tow more than 3.500 kg, it should be registered as a truck.
No one is going to do that, but if you look at the official information from the manufacturer,
you'll see it's able to tow more than 5.500 kg, so 3.500 kg is easy.
Usually, pick up trucks like these are gray imports, but today we've been invited to a party which is more serious about it.
They import the cars from the USA to Bremerhaven, where they're converted for European homologation.
That means the speedometer reads km/h and it's fitted with wide license plates.
This is the all-new 2019 model, which means it's been around since spring 2018.
So, what's new? Well, they've used a stronger kind of steel.
That means this car is 100 kg lighter than its predecessor. However, it's a difference between 'a whole lot' and...
'a little less of a whole lot'. Other than that, an E-torque system is available.
That means the alternator has been replaced by an electric motor of 0,4 kWh, which supports the start-stop system.
It also produces additional torque at peak moments, when the car needs all of its power.
Unfortunately, the E-torque system isn't compatible with an LPG-system. Bad news for Europe, even worse news for the Netherlands.
So yeah, these people only import the 5.7-litre HEMI V8, producing 395 horsepower.
You won't hear me complaining...
So is Europe missing out? If I'm honest, I don't think so,
because the fuel consumption might go from 5 km per litre to 6 km per litre, and because LPG costs 70 cents per litre,
it might not be incredibly profitable. Also, 8 of the 10 sold RAM's sold in the Netherlands...
have V8's, so there aren't a lot of people who choose for the less powerful 315 horsepower V6.
Another new feature in the 2019 RAM 1500 is the 8-speed automatic gearbox, which as been improved.
It now functions perfectly fine. Also, they've changed the design a little.
They say they've completed redesigned the car.
So, is it still politically correct in 2018?
Well, to calm your nerves, it has cylinder deactivation. If you're just cruising around like we're doing right now,
and you're not asking full power, only four cylinders are working.
That helps combating emissions and fuel consumption. Other than that, I can see why people want a car like this.
You should see it as an alternative to a big SUV like a BMW X5, or a Range Rover Sport.
Those kind of cars. Sure, it's not as refined as those cars,
I mean, it's still American. The materials aren't as nice, the steering is a little vague,
it's a little rougher really. On the other hand, if you look at the prices and tax advantages,
I can imagine buying a car like this.
It'll cost you around €80.000, but as an entrepreneur, you can ask some of the taxes back,
which means it only costs you around €60.000 to €65.000. If you look at how much car you get for that, it's a bargain.