Ram Trucks are known for their strength and reliability and boast a rich history that spans over a century. The origins of the brand can be traced back to the early days of Dodge. However, it was from 1981 that the Ram name became synonymous with powerful pickup trucks.
The Ram Trucks logo is one of the most iconic symbols in the automotive industry. It represents strength, reliability, and durability. Over nearly a century, the logo has undergone many changes to reflect the changing identity of the brand. The article delves into the history and evolution of the Ram Trucks logo over the years.
The Genesis of the Ram Trucks Logo (1914 – 1969)
Ram Trucks were part of the Dodge Trucks brand, and the logo was crafted in 1914. It was minimalist in its appeal and featured the brand name “Dodge Trucks” in uppercase and written in a thick square typeface. Each character of the logo was distinct, be it the tiny serifs of the letter “D” or the quadrangular shapes of the letters “O” and “G.” The middle bar of the letter “E” was extended, while “U” and “C” looked identical but pointed in different directions. The logo was written in jet black colour against a contrasting white backdrop.
(1969 – 1993)
The 1969 logo featured a pentagonal star in black and white against a solid black rectangle. It was followed below by a white rectangle with the slanted letters “Dodge” in black placed in the centre. The letters were written in a title case and in a sans-serif typeface. Below the white rectangle appeared a solid black rectangle with the slanted, stencilled, and bold wordmark “Dodge Trucks” in white without any serifs. The horizontally stretched white rectangle in the middle seems to have divided the two black rectangles at the top and bottom, thereby enhancing the logo’s visual identity.
(1993 – 2009)
The logo underwent a significant redesign in 1993 and featured a stylised ram’s head encased within a shield with large antlers that pointed to the front, both in red with white accents. Below the ram head emblem appeared the wordmark “RAM” in red and written in a thick, bold uppercase serif typeface. This modernised look reflected Dodge’s evolving brand identity while maintaining its rugged appeal.
(2009 – Present)
In 2009, Ram Trucks separated from Dodge to become an independent brand under Stellantis (formerly Fiat Chrysler Automobiles). The logo received another update to emphasise Ram’s distinct identity. The new design featured the Ram’s head emblem with a shield in 3D, having bold lines and a more aggressive look. The colour scheme of the emblem is shiny, metallic grey with a gradient, wherein the shadows and highlights were combined artfully. And similar to the previous logo iteration, the wordmark “RAM” appears below in bold, uppercase letters.
(2023 – Present)
With the advent of electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), Ram introduced a new logo in 2023 for its electrified line-up. This version features connected letters “R-A-M” in black and in an indistinct squashed typeface to signal Ram’s move into modern technology and sustainability. Interestingly, each letter of the brand name features a small triangular notch in its upper right corner.
(2024 – Present)
The latest logo features an emblem containing a metallic-coloured geometric Ram head in 3D with a gradient but without the shield. Further, below the emblem appears the brand name “RAM” in uppercase and in a similar metallic colour.
The Elements of the Ram Trucks Logo
Font
The current Ram Trucks badge features the Optiflare typeface, characterised by its bold, wide characters and absence of serifs. This modern font complements the brand’s rugged yet sophisticated identity to emphasise strength and precision.
Colour
The Ram Trucks logo employs a strikingly elegant colour palette that seamlessly blends black and white to symbolise simplicity and sophistication. In 1993, red was introduced to the design, adding a bold accent that reflected the brand’s dynamic evolution. As Ram grew and progressed, its logo evolved alongside it, while consistently keeping the ram emblem as the centrepiece. Despite these changes, the logo remained true to the brand’s core values and mission, with its consistent use of black, grey, and white colour palettes to reinforce its identity.
Finally
The Ram Trucks logo and its various iterations reflect the brand’s ability to adapt to changing times while staying true to its core values of strength and reliability. From its origins as a decorative hood ornament to its current role as an emblem for cutting-edge EVs, the Ram logo has consistently captured the spirit of power and innovation that defines the brand.