Two motor industry identities have joined forces to bring right-hand-drive RAM pick-ups to the New Zealand market.
Ryan Walkinshaw of the Walkinshaw Automotive Group and Neville Crichton, owner of Ateco Automotive, have shaken hands on a deal that will see a venture known as American Special Vehicles sell right-hand-drive RAM pick-ups in Australia and New Zealand.
The RAM pick-ups will be imported direct from the factory in left hand drive. Walkinshaw Automotive Group’s famed engineering skills will be used to completely remanufacture the RAM vehicles to right hand drive on a purpose built production line in Melbourne.
“Our engineers and manufacturing teams have relished the challenge of designing hundreds of OE quality parts, and implementing a completely unique build process. The objective was very clear - produce a right hand drive RAM pick-up that meets the engineering standards, quality, and refinement of the left hand drive product,” said Mr Walkinshaw.
“We have invested millions of dollars and tens of thousands of man-hours to ensure we met our objective – the RAM pick-ups engineered by American Special Vehicles set a new benchmark and I couldn’t be more excited. They are absolutely spot on.”
Ryan Walkinshaw, left, and Neville Crichton.
Ateco Automotive will contribute its import, distribution, network, sales and marketing expertise to American Special Vehicles.
“It’s great to be associated with the Walkinshaw family again,” said Mr Crichton.
“I used to race touring cars with Ryan’s father, Tom Walkinshaw, who was legendary for his determination, success and attention to detail. This venture with Ryan and his Walkinshaw Automotive Group is going to produce some fantastic vehicles, their engineering is second to none.”
The American Special Vehicles RAM pick-ups will be produced with full volume import approval, meaning they will be fully compliant with Australian Design Rules and that American Special Vehicles will be the sole importer of RAM models covered by that approval.
Right hand drive RAM pick-ups engineered by American Special Vehicles go on sale across Australia and New Zealand later this year. They will be covered by a comprehensive three year, 100,000km warranty along with full parts and service support.
Further information in regard to model range, specification, pricing and the RAM dealer network will be available soon.
Interest in RAM pick-ups can be registered at www.ramtrucks.co.nz