Stellantis is investing billions in the US – that’s not exactly headline-worthy these days, since nearly every major automaker has been doing the same. But buried deep inside what read like a standard corporate press release was this interesting bit:
“With an investment of nearly $400 million, assembly of an all-new midsize truck, previously allocated to the Belvidere plant, plans to move to the Toledo Assembly Complex, where it will join the Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Gladiator.”
Hold up. That’s not just some production shuffle. It sounds a lot like Stellantis quietly confirming the much-awaited Ram midsize pickup – expected to revive the Dakota name (not the one for South America that’s depicted here) – is getting built alongside Jeep’s two most capable off-roaders.
Officially, the company hasn’t said the word “Dakota” yet – or even Ram, for that matter – but the timing and location line up perfectly with what insiders have been hinting at for months.
Ram
The Jeep Connection
Toledo, Ohio, is hallowed ground for Jeep fans – it’s where the Wrangler and Gladiator are born. If Ram’s midsize truck ends up sharing that space, it’s almost certain to share more than just floor tiles.
According to Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa, the new truck will use a body-on-frame setup, not a unibody design like the Honda Ridgeline. That’s a clear sign it’s built for serious work and trail credibility, which the boxy Jeeps are known for.
Filosa has already seen the clay model himself at Stellantis’ Detroit design center and called it “beautiful.” He even invited investors to check it out in person, suggesting that the project is far past the concept stage. The truck was originally planned for Belvidere, Illinois, but moving it to Toledo brings production closer to Jeep’s existing supply chain and manufacturing expertise – making it cheaper and quicker to launch.
Ram
What to Expect
According to the release, the new midsize truck is targeting a 2028 launch, which neatly fits within Stellantis’ broader four-year, $13 billion US investment plan. Pricing will likely start in the $30,000 range, keeping it competitive against the top-selling Toyota Tacoma and the others like the Ford Ranger and Chevrolet Colorado, while staying below the Ram 1500’s starting price of just over $41,000.
It’s still too early for photos or specs, but one thing’s sure: Ram’s midsize contender will be assembled in America, wear proper truck bones, and lean on Jeep’s proven platform. For Stellantis, this goes beyond launching a new model but also reclaiming a segment Ram has been missing since the Dakota disappeared in 2011.
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