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2010 Ram Heavy Duty Resonates with American Heartland

At Ram, there is nothing that we cling to tighter than our commitment to the basic traits of the traditional American pickup truck. We build our trucks to be rough-and-tumble rigs capable of outliving even your mother-in-law, and we have a fierce sense of pride in our product. So, too, do our customers.

Amongst the most notable of those customers are Terry and Barb Hogan of Decatur, Illinois. Owner and operator of Hogan Grain & Equipment Company, Terry has spent years putting his various work trucks through the wringer, and he knows a workhouse when he sees one. Up until November 2009, Terry’s fleet consisted of an eclectic mix of pickups, the bulk of which were in need of some form of maintenance. Busy at the helm of Hogan Grain & Equipment and farming over 4,000 acres of land, Terry had neither the time nor the inclination to spend hours laboring over repairs. Instead, he turned to a brand he’s held synonymous with dependability since he first crossed paths with a Power Wagon in 1974: Ram Trucks. Trading in two Fords, a Chevy, and an older Dodge pick-up, Terry & his wife eventually exited Bob Brady Chrysler Dodge with three new Rams in tow: a 2009 Ram 3500, Ram Chassis Cab, and a 2010 Ram 2500 ST Crew 4×4. The latter was the first 2010 Heavy Duty model to ever reach a customer’s hands – and we’d be hard-pressed to find a better match. “We’re targeting both lifestyle and vocational customers,” explained Ram Heavy Duty Brand Manager Steve Johnson. “One of our key vocational targets is Agribusiness – like the Hogans.” According to Terry, our “targeting” and the countless man hours spent engineering a truck specifically for buyers with needs like Terry’s has not gone unnoticed. “I think it’s great you’re spending the time to listen and talk to the customer,” said Terry. “That’s how this country was built. You have to listen to the customer – understand them. Provide them what they need to keep them loyal and make your business grow.” Which is exactly what we strive to do – for both Terry and his fellow American craftsman.

For more photos, hit up our Flickr page.

Jam With Ram: Enter The Zac Brown Band Sweepstakes!

What could be better than spending a thrilling weekend in the cradle of lazy summer fun, jamming to your favorite band? Answer: doing it for free. Right now, Ram Trucks is offering you the chance to bag a 3-day/2-night trip for two (2) to Charlotte, NC to catch the Zac Brown Band live in concert. But don’t get it wrong folks – these aren’t lawn seats. The winner will get exclusive VIP tickets to the ZBB show, with the opportunity to attend an Eat ‘N Greet with the Zac Brown Band.

Sound like your cup o’ joe? Then head on over to the Zac Brown Band website and fill out the entry form – could be the most valuable 60 seconds you spend this year.

Hit the jump for the official contest rules & regulations. More

UPDATE: RamZone Father’s Day Contest Winners Announced

After feverishly reading through all of your submissions, we here at RamZone finally managed to agree upon the winners of RamZone’s Father’s Day Contest. For impressing us with their strong paternal ties to Ram Trucks, our five Honorable Mention winners are Marcus Brawner, Mickey, Duane K, Justin, and Nick B. Congratulations guys, you just snagged the Graphica 4-in1 pen for your deserving Dad!

For our Grand Prize winner, the announcement doesn’t come so easily. We had a little bit of, uh, dissension in the RamZone editorial ranks. Try as we might, we just couldn’t decide on one clear winner. That’s why we’ve elected to call it a draw and award the Grand Prize to Alonzo Sullivan Jr. and Jonathan. Thanks to your moving stories, Dad will soon be sporting an Atomic G-Shock Watch on his hard-working wrist.

To each and every participant that entered, we’d like thank you sincerely for sharing your cool stories with us – we truly enjoyed reading them all. If today wasn’t your lucky day, don’t sweat it because there’s nothing we enjoy more than a little healthy competition. So keep checking back regularly for more chances to win RamZone swag, and thanks again!

Image cred: Flickr user smemon

Skip the Sappy Cards, Enter “My Dad & His Ram” Father’s Day Contest

There’s nothing that your father loves more than his Ram Truck and chances are, you’ve got at least one cool story about it. We know this because we’ve got one (or ten) ourselves and we’ve told it so many times that the guy we buy our bait from knows it word-for-word. Recently, we’ve come to realize that there are only so many times you can tell a particular story before you stop getting invited on fishing trips. If you’re beginning to draw the same conclusions, keep reading.

We here at RamZone have no aversion to shooting the breeze and as a matter of fact, we actually welcome it. That’s why for Father’s Day, we’re giving you the chance to unload your favorite story about Dad & his trusty Ram and win big in the process. It can be any story of your choosing – from the time Dad towed out your school bus to that ill-advised barn raising – we want to hear it about it. Make us laugh, make us cry, make us wonder if perhaps social services shouldn’t have intervened at some point. The six of you with the most touching tales will snag some heavy duty swag for Dad, and possibly oust your smarmy brother-in-law as the favorite child.

To get in on the action, leave your entry in the comment box below and be sure to register with a valid email address. Submissions will be accepted until 12:00 AM EST on Friday, June 18, 2010 and winners will be announced Father’s Day June 20, 2010. The Grand Prize winner will receive an Atomic Solar G-Shock Watch while five Honorable Mention winners will earn the Graphica 4-in-1 pen.

You’ve got less than two weeks to land Dad a present that will instantly make up for years of gifting various personal grooming devices, so get writing!

Image courtesy of Flickr member muirtrail68

Call of the Wild: Ram Trucks & Mossy Oak Announce New Partnership

In an industry swamped with flashy accessories and frivolous option packages, Ram stands out for our steadfast commitment to core customer values. We read, we watch, we listen to what moves you – and we do our damndest to deliver it. We gave you the Ram Box for your dusty tools and muddy boots, we gave you extra interior space so your buddies don’t have to do any more “bonding” than they want to, and we gave you two of the most reliable powertrains in the industry so you’re never up your favorite fishing creek without a paddle. Now, we’re also giving you the holiest union since the Ram/Cummins venture with the official launch of the Ram Trucks & Mossy Oak partnership.

As per the agreement, Ram will become the official presenting sponsor of a select group of Mossy Oak productions set to air on the Outdoor Channel and Pursuit Channel. Later this year, a collaborative effort between Ram Trucks, Mossy Oak, and Mopar will yield some cool new gear designed specifically for you avid outdoorsmen. “Most of our Ram Truck owners proudly participate in hunting and fishing,” explained Fred Diaz, President and CEO – Ram Truck Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. “Not only can we speak directly to their passions through these television programs, but we also demonstrate our commitment to the outdoors and outdoors enthusiasts.”

“No one appreciates the power of a ‘Brand’ as much as we do at Mossy Oak,” said Ronnie “Cuz” Strickland, EVP of Mossy Oak. “The folks at Ram Trucks are as proud of their brand as we are, and rightfully so. To have Ram step up to communicate with hunters and outdoorsmen through our Mossy Oak programming speaks volumes about their commitment to the outdoors and we are extremely proud to partner with Ram to spread their message.”

Hit the jump to check out the full programming schedule, and be sure to keep an eye out for Ram’s cameo appearance. More

Letters for Lyrics a Success, Zac Brown Band Continues to Give Back

Earlier this month Ram Trucks and Zac Brown Band launched Letters for Lyrics, a program aimed at collecting 1 million letters of thanks for our servicemen and women. To date, the official letter count is already at 70,000 with over 25,000 of those received in the first two weeks alone. “The Ram Truck Brand has been moved by the kindness and gratitude that has been expressed so far to our men and women in the military,” said Fred Diaz, President and CEO Ram Trucks. “As we head into Memorial Day – a holiday that remembers those who dedicated their lives for our freedom – I encourage everyone to take a few moments this week to visit their local Ram Truck dealership to write a letter of support to our military men and women who show commitment and valor to this great country.”

“We’re so proud of the immediate response we’ve received for ‘Letters for Lyrics’ over the past two weeks. The support our fans have shown and the stories they’ve shared with us about how the campaign has moved them to show their appreciation is truly inspirational.” said Zac Brown. “This Monday, as we observe Memorial Day, we’ll show our respect for the U.S. men and women who have given their lives in the military service and send our thoughts to those out there protecting our country and way of life. We ask that everyone help us show your appreciation for their heroic efforts.”

As a testament to his own dedication to the cause, Zac Brown and his band launched a USO-backed tour intended to bring a little lightheartedness to soldiers stationed in the Persian Gulf. Documented by renowned director Darren Doane, the series is (fittingly) labeled “For Those Who Serve” and features behind-the-scenes footage of ZBB’s experience. The first installment of the video went live on RamTrucks.com in tandem with the launch of Letters for Lyrics and the second chapter followed suit today. Hit the jump to check out the exclusive footage of Zac Brown Band rocking out and giving back.

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Ram Trucks Crush Competition at 2010 TS Performance Outlaw Show

Every year in Bowling Green, Kentucky, the cleanest, meanest trucks on the road gather for the TS Performance Outlaw Drag Race and Sled Pull. Every manufacturer is heavily represented with participants ranging from hard working Rams to the city boys with other rigs. Trucks are subjected to a series of tests, including a 30,000-pound sled pull down a dusty 350-foot dirt track. By far one of the most grueling activities, each truck threw down a fair fight against the sled but Ram was the clear winner. First place in the 2.6 class with a pull of 307.110 feet went to John Beasley and his ’06 Dodge Ram while both second and fourth place were also secured by Ram Trucks.

To read the full story and check out some serious power in action, check out PickupTrucks.com

Image Source: PickupTrucks.com

Ram CEO Fred Diaz & Zac Brown Weigh In On “Letters For Lyrics”

A few weeks ago, we announced the launch of Zac Brown Band’s Letters for Lyrics campaign. This week, we’re delving a little further into the details.

As some of you may already know, Letters for Lyrics is a program co-sponsored by Zac Brown Band and Ram Trucks aimed at generating 1 million letters of gratitude and support for our deployed servicemen and women. In exchange, each participant who writes a letter will receive an exclusive copy of “Breaking Southern Ground,” a ZBB-produced compilation album. “We’ve had several opportunities to perform for the troops over the past year and each time we were deeply inspired by their positive attitudes and dedication to protecting our country and preserving our way of life,” explained Zac Brown. “We were so moved that we knew we needed to recognize their efforts in a big way. Our hope is that by combining our experience overseas, our music, and the good people at Ram Truck Brand, we will be able to rally a movement of support for our brave service members abroad.”

“The Ram Truck Brand is grateful for the commitment and courage that U.S. soldiers give to this country each day,” said Fred Diaz, President and CEO – Ram Truck Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. “Our company has been steadfast in its support of America’s armed services; we know these letters will help brighten a soldier’s day. We encourage our employees, suppliers and our customers to visit a local Ram Truck dealership to write or drop off a letter for these soldiers who protect our right to freedom.”

To read more of Diaz’s input on Letters for Lyrics, check out his guest post over at the Chrysler Blog.

Mossy Oak’s “Cuz” Gets Up Close and Personal with Ram CEO Fred Diaz

Ronnie “Cuz” Strickland of well-known hunting outfitters Mossy Oak has been a long time fan of Ram Trucks, and more recently, Ram Trucks CEO Fred Diaz. Cuz had the opportunity to treat Diaz and a few of the Ram guys to a turkey hunting trip. The following is an excerpt from his personal account of the outing:

“I’ve been hosting hunting camps for Mossy Oak for over 20 years because after all, there’s no better setting to get to know someone in than hunting camp. This spring, turkey camp was certainly different than those of the past as two Mossy Oak field producers and I were about to spend a quick 36 hours with Fred Diaz, CEO of Ram Trucks and a new hero of mine. Since ‘hero’ is a strong term, let me elaborate.

First, I have had four Ram trucks over the years and have always been a fan of the Ram brand. For anyone that ever wondered; no, they have never asked me to endorse the trucks or paid me anything even though I keep mine in front of thousands of TV viewers each week on our Mossy Oak television productions. I just love the trucks and depend on mine heavily – more so than the average truck buyer, I suspect. My current 2007 Ram Mega Cab has 158,000 miles behind it, much of it from hauling ATV’s on unpaved roads and such. As far as my relationship with Fred Diaz goes, I was lucky enough to meet him on a visit to Ram in Detroit and during our visit he talked to us about Ram trucks. He talked to us about what they are doing to address the true sportsman in the country how to meet their needs and budgets, but more than that he talked about the people that are behind Ram. I could see the passion in his eyes when he talked about the people that build them, sell them, market them, and work on them and it was clear that the TEAM at Ram is on a mission. People like Fred Diaz who pass along the praise and give props to the people that make it happen fire me up, so you can understand why this particular turkey camp was more important than most. As impressed as I was with Fred and his team, I wanted him to be equally impressed with the Mossy Oak crew. Problem was we didn’t have much time – only about a day and a half.”

To read the rest of Cuz’s story, check out it at Mossy Oak’s Perspectives.

Ram Trucks Announces Official Sponsorship of the Kentucky Derby

On May 1, 2010 at the Churchill Downs Thoroughbred raceway in Louisville, Kentucky, Ram Trucks officially launched its sponsorship of the Kentucky Derby. Like the beautiful horses bucking at the starting gate, Ram Trucks brings a powerful, awe-inspiring presence to the track and to celebrate the unmistakable similarities between the two breeds of beast, Ram Trucks was heavily represented at the Kentucky Derby – both on the track and off. Rams custom-painted to match the unique designs of the jockey’s silks were prominently displayed in and around Churchill Downs and all the jockeys sported the Ram Trucks logo.

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