The newest vehicle to join the Ram Trucks van lineup is the 2015 Pro­Master City. The smaller vehicle gives fleet managers another option when right-sizing from larger vans or transitioning from compact pickup trucks.

“The whole industry, both government and commercial, is focused on ‘right-sizing’ their fleets. That is why these small vans are a perfect solution for so many fleets,” said Frank Dankovich, director of fleet sales with Chrysler Group LLC. “Why pay for more vehicle if you don’t need to? Why pay for a large van or truck with higher fuel costs over the life of the vehicle if you don’t need to? If you are managing a large fleet, the savings can add up fast.”

Boasting Best-in-Class Cargo Capacity

The Class 1 ProMaster City is powered by the 2.4L Tigershark I-4 engine. The engine generates a best-in-class 178 hp at 6,400 rpm, while its peak torque — 174 lb.-ft. at 3,900 rpm — is greater than any standard-equipment engine in the ProMaster City’s segment, according to the company. It also has a segment-exclusive nine-speed automatic transmission.

The vehicle has best-in-class cargo capacity of 131.7 cubic feet, roof height of 51.8 inches, and best-in-class payload of 1,883 lbs. with easy access provided by 60/40 split rear doors and dual sliding side doors.

The vertical side panels are upfitter-­friendly and simplify the attachment of shelves or storage racks for specialized commercial use. The roof of the van is prepped for load rails or roof racks, with a weight capacity of 154 lbs.

Front-wheel-drive, seven standard airbags, electronic stability control, and available rear back-up camera provide enhanced safety features that are important to all fleets, Dankovich said. He added that the vehicle’s five-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty is 40,000 more miles than the vehicle’s key competitor.

The vehicle comes with eight different configurations: six cargo and two wagon models.

Fit for Various Government Uses

Dankovich said the ProMaster City can be used by nearly every department of every governmental entity mainly because of its combined fuel efficiency and utility.

“All agencies are budget constrained. No fleet managers are given blank checks. So a new vehicle that can deliver improved total cost of ownership is going to be well received by government fleets,” he said.

He emphasized that Public Works agencies may use the vehicle to move materials to work sites; schools and universities may use it to transport supplies from one facility to another; and even police and sheriff’s offices that have a need for a smaller vehicle can use it to move equipment during investigations and for public events.

Additionally, with the wagon configuration, users can move up to five passengers and still have close to four feet of cargo length to the rear doors.

Start of production for the vehicle will begin in the fourth quarter of this year, and fleet vehicles are expected to begin to arrive in early first quarter of 2015.

Pricing and fuel economy have not been announced at time of publication, but Dankovich said the product will have a very competitive price. The automaker also expects to be rated at or very near best in class for fuel economy.

Related:

Ram to Eventually Phase Out Cargo Van

Photos: Ram ProMaster and 1500 EcoDiesel Walkarounds