The sun has set on an automotive icon as the final RAM 1500 HEMI V8 pick-up truck rolled off the assembly line in Melbourne, Australia, marking the end of an era for RAM Trucks in the Australasian market. The decision to retire the legendary V8-powered model comes ahead of next year’s introduction of a turbocharged six-cylinder petrol successor, signaling a shift toward a more modernized powertrain lineup.
The last V8-powered model, finished in Granite Crystal paint, was the 28,495th RAM 1500 HEMI V8 to be remanufactured from its original left-hand-drive US configuration to right-hand-drive at RAM Trucks Australia and New Zealand’s facility in Melbourne. Production of the HEMI V8 model began in June 2018, and since then, it has established itself as a mainstay in the premium pick-up market across the region.
A gathering of over 100 workers at the Melbourne facility celebrated the production milestone on Friday, 6 December 2024, highlighting the team effort behind the transformation of these vehicles for Australasian roads.
RAM Trucks Australia and New Zealand has been the exclusive factory-backed distributor in the region since 2015, employing more than 250 workers across engineering and manufacturing, with over 2,000 individuals contributing to the facility since its inception. More than 400 locally-engineered parts are fitted to each vehicle during the approximately 14-hour remanufacturing process, ensuring the trucks meet factory-level quality and safety standards. The Melbourne site remains a key player in RAM’s global success, bringing American muscle to this side of the world.
Todd Groves, General Sales Manager for RAM Trucks New Zealand, reflected on the significance of the HEMI V8 to the brand’s identity:
“It’s time to bid farewell to the iconic HEMI V8. The HEMI V8 set the standard for high-performance trucks and played a key role in establishing RAM Trucks as a success story in the Australasian market. As we say goodbye to this legendary engine, we look ahead with excitement to its successor—a new-generation turbocharged six-cylinder petrol engine set to arrive in the first half of 2025.”
For those keen on owning a piece of automotive history, RAM dealerships across Australia and New Zealand have only limited supplies of the RAM 1500 HEMI V8 remaining. Groves urged potential buyers to act quickly:
“Availability of these exceptional trucks is now very limited, so we encourage those still interested in grabbing a piece of iconic RAM history to move fast, as the last of the V8s will not last long!”
While fans of the HEMI V8 may feel nostalgic, the future of RAM pick-ups is looking forward with its next-generation turbocharged six-cylinder petrol engine, set to make its debut in the first half of 2025. The company promises to share more details on the updated model’s specifications and availability early next year, teasing advancements likely to further enhance RAM’s reputation for high-performance, luxury utility vehicles.
The success of the HEMI V8 and RAM’s continued evolution is underpinned by the brand’s unique approach to serving the Australasian market. Unlike competitors, RAM Trucks Australia and New Zealand operates as the only RAM distributor in the region with full factory backing. This partnership ensures that customers receive vehicles engineered to meet the highest standards for safety, functionality, and durability.
Vehicles arrive from the US in left-hand-drive configuration and are remanufactured to right-hand-drive in Melbourne, with the process incorporating a rigorous fitment of locally-engineered components. This commitment to quality has cemented RAM’s reputation in Australia and New Zealand, with the outgoing HEMI V8 leaving behind a legacy of innovation, performance, and reliability.
As one chapter closes, another is set to begin for RAM Trucks in Australasia, one that promises new performance benchmarks with its six-cylinder turbocharged successor while honoring the foundation laid by the beloved HEMI V8.
