A worldwide shortage of microchips has forced some automakers to shutter production lines temporarily. The average new car contains at least 100 of the small processors, controlling everything from climate and entertainment functions to blind-spot warning systems. Car companies, struggling to get enough of them, have trimmed production of many popular vehicles.
Dealers have low inventory of many popular models, pushing prices to record highs.
But Ram is determined to keep producing its Ram 1500 pickup. The company’s best-selling model, the Ram 1500 briefly stole the Ford F-150’s crown as the most popular new vehicle purchase in America during the second quarter of this year, largely because Ram managed to keep its factories rolling while other full-size truck plants sat idle.
Among the changes for 2022:
- Ram has eliminated the Quad Cab for all but the two lowest-price trims, the Tradesman and Big Horn. Buyers of more upscale models can still select the more spacious Crew Cab.
- Quad Cab models are no longer available with a sunroof, running boards, or the Technology Group.
- Tradesman models lose the option of an air suspension or a multi-function tailgate.
- Big Horn and Lone Star models lose the multifunction tailgate and underseat storage as a standalone option. Buyers can still get underseat storage with the Level 1 and 2 equipment groups.
- The Ram Rebel trim is no longer available with a 12-inch Uconnect screen or 9-speaker audio. Leather-trimmed bucket seats can now only be found on the Rebel Night Edition.
- The Laramie, Limited Longhorn, and Limited all lose the optional skid plates. Two-tone paint options are also gone, except for Ivory White and Walnut Brown.
- The Limited also loses its Advanced Safety Group, which had included adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist.
- On the Limited Longhorn and Limited, the Technology Group will no longer be an option. Its heads-up display and digital display rear-view mirror are now part of the more expensive Level 1 equipment group.
- The high-performance TRX trim will no longer offer a standalone Harmon Kardon 19-speaker sound system. Buyers can still get it, but only as part of the Level 1 equipment group.
Most analysts expect the microchip shortage to stretch into 2022 but not beyond. So, while some of these changes may be permanent, we expect Ram to bring more variety back to the lineup for the 2023 model year.
