Chrysler / RAM ProMaster Passenger Van Introduced

LAS VEGAS - Feb. 5, 2014 - PRLog -- The first RAM ProMaster passenger van will be unveiled next week by Chrysler Group at LCT West, the International Limousine, Charter and Tour show held in Las Vegas, NV.  The 15-passenger model, produced by Meridian Specialty Vehicles, Inc., a Las Vegas, NV-based mid-size bus and passenger van manufacturer, is built on the 1-ton, 159”-Extended wheelbase model van.

The RAM ProMaster van, an upgraded North American version of the popular European Fiat Ducato, recently arrived at U.S. and Canadian RAM dealer lots as a cargo-only van.  Meridian’s passenger conversion is the first of its kind, designed specifically to provide an affordable, comfortable and spacious riding experience for a wide range of commercial passenger van applications.  Meridian will offer several models in different wheelbases, weight ratings, trim levels, and passenger seating configurations.  The cavernous interior accommodates an additional 18”-30” of passenger/cargo space over the longest Ford passenger van, three additional seats over the largest Mercedes Benz Sprinter passenger van, a massive 49-inch by 70-inch side sliding entry door, standard aisle-row configured seating and an unprecedented best-in-class 74-inch finished interior ceiling height, ensuring ample space that is accessible and comfortable.  At a mere 22 inches, the ProMaster passenger van has the lowest entry height floor of any competitor, allowing safe and easy passenger and luggage loading and unloading,

Standard upfit features include rear heat and air conditioning, a durable composite interior paneling system, shoulder-style seatbelts and commercial-grade laminated flooring.  The display van also includes optional leatherette seating, backup camera, painted front bumpers and an automatic power entry step.  Meridian offers a wide variety of other safety and comfort options to attract the interests of virtually any commercial van operator.

“We are very excited about building our front-line passenger van on the RAM ProMaster platform, primarily because of the availability of upfitter-friendly and user desirable features such as front wheel drive, low floor height, tall ceiling, highly efficient gasoline, CNG and diesel engine options to name a few,” says David Ronsen, President and CEO of Meridian Specialty Vehicles, Inc., “The ProMaster is the North American variant of one of the best-selling vans overseas, having sold millions of units worldwide over the last 30 years.  Current plans call for over 20 variations of the ProMaster as passenger vans, mobility vans, shuttle buses and paratransit buses to service our limousine, senior care center, hotel shuttle, van rental, airport parking, NEMT, transit, tour bus, church van and even prisoner transport client requirements.

"Chrysler’s willingness to work with and support its upfitters has been very well received and if recent months of collaboration and dealer product interest are any indication, our partnership with Chrysler and the ProMaster will be a huge success.”

Meridian will distribute the ProMaster passenger van and other ProMaster-based products exclusively through the Chrysler RAM dealer network and Meridian’s commercial bus dealer network.

The 15-Passenger ProMaster Passenger Van can be seen at LCT in the Chrysler booth (Booth # “N”).

About Meridian Specialty Vehicles, Inc.

Meridian Specialty Vehicles, Inc. is a leader in the design and manufacture of custom specialty vehicles, shuttle and paratransit buses and passenger vans. Since 1995, Meridian has produced extraordinary vehicles for our customers’ extraordinary missions. With a network of over 200 dealers and growing, Meridian is committed to providing our domestic and international customers with high-quality, innovative, cost-effective and environmentally-friendly transportation and mobile-mission-based vehicle solutions combined with outstanding after-sales support. For more information please visit www.meridiansv.com.