Automakers build a lot of special edition vehicles. They give shoppers the chance to enjoy a unique vehicle and participate in an underground club. On the rare occasion that they come across a twin to their special edition car, drivers often honk and wave. It’s fun.
Most special editions, though, just raise funds for car dealerships.
Jeep and Ram have done something different. Both brands are releasing special editions meant to raise more than $4 million for worldwide pandemic relief efforts.
The two Stellantis-owned automakers have partnered with the international relief organization (RED) to build special editions of several vehicles. Sales will raise funds “to fight global health emergencies, including AIDS and COVID-19,” the companies say.
Ram 1500 Limited (RAM)RED Edition
The Ram 1500 Limited (RAM)RED Edition arrives as an appearance package based on the Ram 1500 Limited Night edition. Ram showed off the truck at this week’s Texas State Fair.
It carries a blacked-out grille, wheels, exhaust tips, and mirror caps. But the badges are bright red. Inside, the (RAM)RED Edition gets leather upholstery, a 12-inch Uconnect touchscreen, and a 19-speaker Harmon/Kardon audio system. Interior badges are red and read (RAM)RED. It’s available on Limited Crew Cab models.
(Jeep)RED Compass, Renegade Editions
The (Jeep)RED Compass edition will appear in the first quarter of 2022. A (Jeep)RED Renegade edition will follow “soon after,” according to Jeep representatives.
Jeep has revealed few details on those models, other than to say that they “will each have their own unique (RED) brand design cues, including (RED) badging on the exterior and interior of each vehicle.” We’ll bring more details when we have them.
Stellantis’ Fiat brand plans to design a (RED) edition electric Fiat 500 for sale in Europe.
(RED) Fights Pandemics Worldwide
U2 frontman Bono founded (RED) at the height of the AIDS crisis to engage large companies in the fight for global healthcare.
“This partnership with Fiat, Jeep, and Ram is a powerful shot in the arm for (RED)’s fight against pandemics and the complacency that fuels them,” Bono said in a statement announcing the partnership.
“Less than five percent of people in Africa are fully vaccinated, while vaccines are plentiful in Europe and America. We have to do more and fast to support the hundreds of millions of people who don’t yet have access to the vaccines, therapeutics, or sufficient PPE. Because unless this pandemic is defeated everywhere, no one will be safe anywhere.”
