Overview
Ram plans to reenter the compact work-van market with a small commercial model in development to fill the gap left by the discontinued ProMaster City, according to Car and Driver. A Ram spokesperson told the outlet a van “like the ProMaster City” is coming, though timing and the name haven’t been decided. Car and Driver says Ram confirmed the model will slot into the Ram Professional lineup, and CEO Tim Kuniskis suggested to Mopar Insider that the ProMaster City name could return.
What’s confirmed vs. unknown
- Confirmed: A compact, ProMaster City–like van is in development for the Ram Professional lineup.
- Unknown: Nameplate, reveal and on-sale timing, powertrain details, assembly location, pricing, and whether cargo-only, passenger, or both configurations will be offered.
Market context
Compact work vans have largely disappeared from the U.S. since the exits of models such as the Ford Transit Connect, Nissan NV200, and Chevrolet City Express; Ram’s ProMaster City bowed out after 2022. Car and Driver reports that if Ram brings a compact van back to showrooms, it would currently stand as the only small work van available in the United States.
Platform and global ties
The previous ProMaster City was based on the Fiat Doblo, part of a Stellantis-aligned family that includes the Citroën Berlingo, Opel/Vauxhall Combo, and Peugeot Partner/Rifter, plus the Toyota ProAce City in certain markets. Car and Driver notes those European vans are due for mid-cycle updates, potentially opening a window for Ram to adapt refreshed designs and branding for North America.
Powertrain outlook
Electrified versions of these small vans are already on sale overseas. However, Car and Driver indicates that, given current U.S. buyer sentiment toward EVs, a gasoline-only launch is plausible for the Ram, at least initially. Ram has not confirmed any propulsion details, including whether hybrid or battery-electric variants will be offered at launch.
Strategy signals
The move fits a broader push under Kuniskis to revive nameplates and variants that resonate with Ram’s core audience. Car and Driver points to the return of a Hemi-powered Ram 1500 and a new Ram TRX with a 777-hp Hellcat V-8 as recent examples. In that context, a compact van would fill a known gap beneath the full-size ProMaster and expand the Ram Professional portfolio.
What to watch next
Ram has not announced a reveal date, production plans, or order timing. The next milestone would be an official announcement with specifications, pricing, and on-sale timing, along with clarity on whether the ProMaster City nameplate returns.
