NEW right-hand drive versions of one of America's favourite sports trucks, the Dodge Ram, are now available in Australia.

Leading independent vehicle importer Performax International has announced it is taking orders for the Dodge Ram Laramie 2500, following the completion of a production prototype and Australian design Rule Certification.

Vehicles are available to order, with delivery for August orders available in December/January. Individual pricing will be determined by customer specifications and prevailing exchange rates.

The Dodge Ram comes with impressive credentials. It is the 2013 North American Truck of the Year and 2013 Texas Truck of the Year.

The current 2013 Ram 2500, when fitted with dual rear wheels, boasts a class-leading 13.6 tonne towing capacity for fifth-wheel trailers - around three tonnes more than rival sports trucks.

Standard Ram 2500s are rated to 4.5 tonnes at the towbar.

Power comes from a 6.7 litre turbocharged diesel six-cylinder Cummins engine producing 287 kiloWatts and a massive 1152 Newtonmetres of torque. This engine is warranted by Cummins worldwide, giving owners added peace of mind.

Four-wheel drive connects through a six-speed automatic transmission, with electronic low-range engagement available "on the fly".

Highway and off-road performance is significantly enhanced by an all-new ladder-type chassis and revised suspension system. The Ram boasts improved chassis stiffness and better ride comfort and cornering ability.

Braking capacity of four-wheel discs is boosted by an exhaust brake and a towing mode for the automatic transmission, which holds gears during hill ascents or descents.

A typically handsome American sports truck in size and style, the Ram crew-cab takes five occupants in lounge-like luxury.

Seats are all-leather with electric adjustment in the front. The dashboard has been redesigned and includes a large touch-screen and tyre pressure monitor.

In the rear compartment, cowboy-style saddle bags complete with buckle replace traditional seat-back pockets.

A cool box under the floor of the rear compartment provides a convenient place for drinks and food.

Performax International General Manager Glenn Soper said he expected strong demand for the new Dodge Ram range, which expands the portfolio of the company's American sports trucks to three brands.

"The Ram has been extremely popular in the United States since it was released earlier this year and our customers have been keenly waiting for the right-hand drive version," Mr Soper said.

"It's been worth the wait, because the RHD Ram has turned out beautifully, with excellent road manners, performance, comfort and unmatched towing capability for those with big trailers.

"Performax International is now Australia's biggest one-stop shop for American sports trucks, with fully-complianced Dodge Rams, Chevy Silverados and Toyota Tundra re-engineered with OE quality and ready to provide an ownership experience no rivals from other countries can match."

Performax International is Australia's leading independent importer and converter of premium American sports cars and pick-ups from Chevrolet, Ford, Dodge and Toyota.

The business, founded 23 years ago, produces around 300 fully-complied right-hand drive vehicles a year to ISO 9001 Quality Assured standard.

2013 Dodge Ram Laramie - key features

Engine, 6.7 L intercooled turbodiesel Cummins 6-cyl
Outputs, 287 kiloWatts, 1152 Newtonmetres, remote start
Transmission, 6-speed Aisen automatic, tow/haul mode, dial-up 4X4 control
Brakes, all disc, ABS, exhaust brake
Alloy wheels
Tyre pressure monitoring system
Towing, 4500kg tow capacity
Towing fifth-wheel, 13,600kg capacity
Trip computer
Alpine sound system with MP3 input
Steering wheel mounted cruise control and stereo control
Dual-zone climate-control air conditioning
Dual airbags
Reversing camera
Rear Park Sensors
Privacy glass
4-year/120,000km Australia-wide warranty with roadside assist

For further information, please contact:

Glenn Soper
General Manager
Performax International
Phone 07 5482 7833
Mob. (0407) 010 451
gm@performaxint.com.au
www.performaxint.com.au