All-new 2009 Dodge Ram Named 2009 International Truck of the Year

-- Beats new 2009 Ford F-150 and Subaru Forester

DETROIT, Jan. 10 /PRNewswire/ -- This evening, the all-new 2009 Dodge Ram
earned the 2009 International Truck of the Year, awarded by International Car
of the Year (ICOTY) jurors. The Dodge Ram beat the new 2009 Ford F-150 and
Subaru Forester for top honors.
The ICOTY board consists of nationally-renowned automotive editors and
journalists from a variety of respected publications and broadcast outlets.
"Our all-new 2009 Dodge Ram continues to haul in awards," said Scott
Kunselman, Vice-President Jeep(R)/Truck Product Team, Chrysler LLC. "We're
glad third-party organizations including ICOTY recognize Dodge Ram's
game-changing innovations, functionality, safety and value."
The all-new 2009 Dodge Ram includes the first-in-segment RamBox(TM) cargo
management system that includes versatile, weatherproof, lockable,
illuminated, drainable storage bins, pickup bed dividers, a 2-foot bed
extender, and a cargo rail system with sliding adjustable cleats. The 2009 Ram
also includes the first-in-segment coil-spring, five-link rear suspension
fitted to a solid rear axle providing ride and handling not found on any other
pickup truck. A new 5.7-liter HEMI(R) V-8 engine with fuel-saving MDS
technology provides more horsepower (390 hp) and torque (407 lb.-ft.) and its
best-in-class aerodynamics -- .387 Cd -- helps improve fuel economy and
performance.
In addition, the all-new 2009 Dodge Ram includes first-in-segment,
factory-installed 4-inch dual exhaust styled dramatically into the rear
bumper, first-in-segment store-in-the-floor storage bins with nearly twice as
many bins (42) than the previous model (26) and 35 safety and security
technologies. Standard features include side-curtain air bags and Electronic
Stability Program (ESP) which includes all-speed traction control, trailer
sway control, hill-start assist and anti-lock brake system (ABS).
Significantly upgraded interiors with segment-first surround-sound audio
system and live SIRIUS Backseat TV(TM) round out the interior.
The all-new 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 Crew Cab recently earned 5-star ratings
for driver- and front-passenger protection in a frontal crash, the highest
ratings in the U.S. government's safety crash test program.
In addition to winning the 2009 International Truck of the Year award, the
all-new Dodge Ram has picked up several key awards since its introduction:
-- Truckin' magazine's Truck of the Year
-- Texas Auto Writer's Association (TAWA)-- 2009 Full-Size Pickup Truck of
Texas
-- Edmunds.com -- Inside Line Editors Most Wanted 2009
-- Autobytel.com -- 2009 MyRide/Autobytel Editor's Choice Awards -- Truck
of the Year
-- Maxim -- Achievement in Party-Enabling Technology (RamBox)
-- Ward's AutoWorld -- Ward's 10 Best Engines of 2009 (2009 Dodge Ram 5.7
HEMI engine)
-- Automobile Journalists Association of Canada -- Best New Pickup
-- Sobre Ruedas -- Sobre Ruedas Best Pickup Truck for '08

Dodge Brand
With a work-hard, play-hard attitude, the Dodge brand continues to offer a
full line of cars, trucks, SUVs, commercial vehicles and sales-leading, fifth
generation minivan in 2009. This year, Dodge will add to the award-winning Ram
lineup with the introduction of the all-new 2010 Dodge Ram 2500 Heavy Duty and
3500 Chassis Cab.
Dodge introduced several new vehicles in 2008, including the all-new 2009
Dodge Journey, the 2009 Dodge Challenger and the 2009 Dodge Ram. Dodge also
celebrated the 25th anniversary of the minivan during the 2009 model year.
With more than 65 minivan-firsts introduced since 1983 and more than 12
million Dodge and Chrysler minivans sold, Chrysler LLC has solidified its
leadership in the segment. The 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan continues to set the
mark in minivan value with more than 40 new or improved features from the
previous generation, including unsurpassed 17 city / 25 highway mpg fuel
economy. The 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan is also the first minivan in the segment
to feature the all-new Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Path advance
safety systems.
Also in 2008, the Dodge Journey entered key volume markets outside North
America, joining the Dodge Avenger, Nitro and Caliber. Dodge Caliber was the
highest sales volume vehicle for the company outside North America in 2008.
About the International Car of the Year Awards
The ICOTY Awards were founded in 1996. Coined the "Academy Awards of
Cars," ICOTY has become the largest auto awards show production in the United
States. For more info, visit www.icotyawards.com.
SOURCE Chrysler LLC

Roger Benvenuti +1-248-512-4634 (office), +1-248-841-3684 (cell)
rjb2@chrysler.com, or Bryan Zvibleman +1-248-512-2686 (office),
+1-248-761-9829 (cell), bz@chrysler.com, both of Chrysler LLC