The current RAM HDs are getting long in the tooth, having been on sale since 2010, and only receiving a minor facelift in 2014 (lights, grille, updated interior). The new HD trucks are expected to fall in line with the recently debuted 1500, and in the process, ditch the crosshair grille (which unfortunately will only live on via the Charger, Durango, Journey and Grand Caravan)—a hallmark of the truck since the mid-’80s.

Inside, the ’20 RAM HD appears to mimic the 1500 with thoughtful design and premium materials. Tech comes from (what we believe to be) the Uconnect 4, with an 8.4-in. screen and should offer the optional Uconnect 4C NAV infotainment system with the massive portrait-oriented 12-in. touchscreen center console display. The only obvious difference inside the HD cabin is the steering-column-mounted gear shifter, which the 1500 dropped for ’19 model year.

Other exterior styling should run parallel to the 1500, but in a more muscular fashion.

Current power is delivered from three engines: a 383 hp 5.7L V8 with a compressed natural gas option, a 410 hp 6.4L V8, and a 6.7L turbodiesel inline-six available in three tunes: 350 hp with 660 lb.-ft., 370 hp with 800 lb.-ft., and 385hp with 930 lb.-ft. torque rating. The 5.7L and 6.4L are paired to a six-speed automatic transmission, while the three 6.7L versions can be paired to either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic. Expect the 6.7L to get an additional power bump in hopes of one-upping the F-350 and Silverado 3500, which currently feature more horsepower and similar torque.

The next RAM HD is slated to move its production location from Saltillo, Mexico, to Warren, Michigan, in 2020—in time for the next-generation heavy-duty’s start of production. Expect an official debut sometime in 2019.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Every year, the SEMA Show accommodates specialty-equipment manufacturers who decide to exhibit on the international stage for the first time. This year is no different. Held at the Las Vegas Convention Center, the SEMA Show attracts more than 170,000 industry leaders from more than 140 countries. In 2017, the Show featured 2,400 exhibitors, including 354 first-timers.

Every year, the SEMA Show accommodates specialty-equipment manufacturers who decide to exhibit on the international stage for the first time. This year is no different. Held at the Las Vegas Convention Center, the SEMA Show attracts more than 170,000 industry leaders from more than 140 countries. In 2017, the Show featured 2,400 exhibitors, including 354 first-timers.

Trade shows are all about doing business, but before the Show floor opens and the first meetings can begin, exhibitors have to arrive and set up. Then they have to pack everything up again five days later to hit the road for the next show. All too often, exhibitors arrive in Las Vegas unprepared, believing that if they order everything they require on-site they will receive it on the spot. The consequenses for that lack of planning can be costly in both time and money and lead to frustration. But, through proper planning, an exhibitor’s Show logistics can work smoothly and efficiently.

Trade shows are all about doing business, but before the Show floor opens and the first meetings can begin, exhibitors have to arrive and set up. Then they have to pack everything up again five days later to hit the road for the next show. All too often, exhibitors arrive in Las Vegas unprepared, believing that if they order everything they require on-site they will receive it on the spot. The consequenses for that lack of planning can be costly in both time and money and lead to frustration. But, through proper planning, an exhibitor’s Show logistics can work smoothly and efficiently.

By SEMA Editors

Latest Jobs Added to SEMA Career Center

Are you hunting for a new job? The SEMA Career Center has a comprehensive listing of automotive-related job openings around the country. Here are some of the latest jobs posted to the website.

Engine Assembler/Sub-Assembler: Banks Technologies is hiring an engine assembler/sub-assembler to assemble and/or install a variety of large and heavy parts to complete units or subassemblies and perform a variety of specialized assembly operations using hand tools, power tools and other special equipment. Candidates should have the ability to read, analyze and interpret intercompany reports, general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures or governmental regulations. An automotive components manufacturing background is preferred.

Manufacturers’ Sales Representative: Kunzman & Associates is hiring a manufacturers’ sales representative to work as part of its central Midwest sales team. Strong communication skills and the ability to work with and grow accounts at all levels are paramount. Automotive aftermarket experience is preferable, but the company is willing to train the right person.

Support Administrator: VeriFacts Automotive is hiring a support administrator to work in a virtual role to support its Canadian operations department. The right candidate will be bilingual, with French as the primary language, have more than five years’ administrative experience and need minimal supervision to complete their work. Experience with Microsoft Office is required.

Automotive Paint Instructor: Solera Inc. is hiring an automotive paint instructor to monitor and propose research consistent with advanced trends in paint repair and refinishing methodologies, deliver training courses consistent with the most advanced paint repair and refinishing methodologies and products in the collision-repair industry and support the development of training curriculum at the Solera Technical Center. Qualified candidates will have a minimum of three years’ collision-repair experience and a proven ability in structuring demonstrations and instruction sessions. ASE and I-CAR certifications are a plus.

Corporate Sales Executive: The National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) is hiring a corporate sales executive responsible for generating new revenue through the sale of NHRA-controlled inventory in television, track signage, print, promotions, tickets, suites, jumbotron commercials, title and presenting race sponsorships, PA announcements, internet, track title rights, entertainment features, marketing and youth programs, display and exhibit space, official products, regional and promotion rights, retail programs, contingency programs, activation, bartered goods, track presence packages, licensing and hospitality. Candidates should have 3–5 years of sales experience, preferably in the motorsports/automotive performance market and automotivesponsor references. A bachelor’s degree and existing relationships in the automotive industry are preferred.

By SEMA Editors

Exhibitors of the 2018 SEMA Show can expand their reach, product exposure and Show-floor presence by offering products to builders through the Products for Project-Vehicle Builders list.

Exhibitors of the 2018 SEMA Show are invited to expand their reach, product exposure and Show-floor presence by offering products to builders through the Products for Project-Vehicle Builders list. The list connects manufacturers with builders looking to create or complete a vehicle project.

The list, which will be updated each week in SEMA eNews, features product offers and contact information provided by confirmed SEMA Show exhibitors. Builders interested in obtaining a product use the information to contact exhibitors directly. With each project vehicle required to be supported by a current 2018 SEMA Show exhibitor, all product-placement decisions, negotiations and agreements are the responsibility of the exhibiting manufacturer and the builder.

The list is open to exhibitors of the 2018 SEMA Show only. To be included in the list, complete the form.

Exhibitors: Each submission will appear on a first-come, first-served basis. As participation increases, all submissions will also be archived on www.SEMAShow.com.

Note: For verification purposes, the Project-Vehicle Builders form must be used to participate in the program; email submissions will not be included in the list. Participation in the list does not guarantee product or vehicle placement at the 2018 SEMA Show.

View the Products for Project-Vehicle Builders list.

By SEMA Editors

Exhibitors of the 2018 SEMA Show can expand their reach, product exposure and Show-floor presence by offering products to builders through the Products for Project-Vehicle Builders list.

Exhibitors of the 2018 SEMA Show are invited to expand their reach, product exposure and Show-floor presence by offering products to builders through the Products for Project-Vehicle Builders list. The list connects manufacturers with builders looking to create or complete a vehicle project.

The list, which will be updated each week in SEMA eNews, features product offers and contact information provided by confirmed SEMA Show exhibitors. Builders interested in obtaining a product use the information to contact exhibitors directly. With each project vehicle required to be supported by a current 2018 SEMA Show exhibitor, all product-placement decisions, negotiations and agreements are the responsibility of the exhibiting manufacturer and the builder.

The list is open to exhibitors of the 2018 SEMA Show only. To be included in the list, complete the form.

Exhibitors: Each submission will appear on a first-come, first-served basis. As participation increases, all submissions will also be archived on www.SEMAShow.com.

Note: For verification purposes, the Project-Vehicle Builders form must be used to participate in the program; email submissions will not be included in the list. Participation in the list does not guarantee product or vehicle placement at the 2018 SEMA Show.

View the Products for Project-Vehicle Builders list.

By SEMA Editors

Exhibitors interested in receiving a vehicle wipe-down each day of the Show must apply by Friday, October 5.

Mothers Polishes-Waxes-Cleaners will sponsor a free vehicle wipe-down program for 2018 SEMA Show exhibitors. The service is limited to the first 200 exhibitors, with applications due October 5. One booth or feature vehicle per exhibitor is eligible and will receive a wipe-down each day of the SEMA Show.

For complete guidelines and to apply, fill out the “Daily Wipe-Down” form within the SEMA Show Exhibitor Services Manual.

Questions can be directed to the SEMA Show customer service team, 909-396-0289, or email wipedown@sema.org.

By SEMA Editors

Exhibitors interested in receiving a vehicle wipe-down each day of the Show must apply by Friday, October 5.

Mothers Polishes-Waxes-Cleaners will sponsor a free vehicle wipe-down program for 2018 SEMA Show exhibitors. The service is limited to the first 200 exhibitors, with applications due October 5. One booth or feature vehicle per exhibitor is eligible and will receive a wipe-down each day of the SEMA Show.

For complete guidelines and to apply, fill out the “Daily Wipe-Down” form within the SEMA Show Exhibitor Services Manual.

Questions can be directed to the SEMA Show customer service team, 909-396-0289, or email wipedown@sema.org.