It appears to be small truck week in the automotive world. First, we heard about a GM compact electric truck. Then there’s the possibility that Nissan might bring out a midsize electric pickup. After that we saw potential sketches of the 2024 Toyota Tacoma. Now, we’re hearing about spy shots of a Ram 1200 that could herald the return of the Dakota. Maybe.
We’ve gotten our hopes up before with spy shots, only to have our hopes dashed and then revived. Again. We had confirmation (kind of) that a concept would be shown in March 2023 to dealers, and if they liked it, it could be a go. Then radio silence.
After a period of limbo, we’re back in the high-hopes arena.
An Autoblog story shows spy shots of a Ram 1200 testing in the Arctic Circle. It’s heavily camouflaged, and frankly, we don’t know how the spy photographer identified this. But that’s why they do what they do, and I don’t.
Ram 1200 becomes Dakota?
We’ve been curious why Ram has remained mum about any entry into the midsize or compact truck segments, considering the resurgence in popularity of smaller trucks. So, maybe this is for real this time around?
The Ram 1200 is sold in other parts of the world, so it’s within the realm of possibility Ram could bring this truck to the U.S. and rebadge it as the Dakota since that name is so well-known here.
The bottom line
Other than these shots that tell us something is going on, we have no details. However, if the original March 2023 “debut” is still in the works, we should know more soon. We hope.
