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RAM Rampage Opens for European Orders: Premium Pickup Combines 272 HP Performance With Everyday Practicality

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RAM has officially opened European orders for the new Rampage, a premium compact lifestyle pickup that aims to bridge the gap between traditional workhorses and high-end SUVs. Available in Rebel 2.2 Turbodiesel and R/T 2.0 Turbo Petrol versions, the Rampage combines 4×4 capability, premium interior technology and everyday usability, with prices starting at €44,000 before taxes. First customer deliveries are expected in February 2027.

The European pickup market is getting a new contender, and RAM is betting that buyers no longer want to choose between the practicality of a pickup truck and the comfort of a premium SUV. The new RAM Rampage is designed around precisely that idea, offering the American brand’s familiar combination of bold styling and utility in a more compact package tailored to European roads.

Following its European preview at Fieracavalli 2025, the Rampage is now moving into the next phase of its market introduction, with orders officially open across Europe. Positioned as a Premium Compact Lifestyle Pickup, it targets customers looking for genuine cargo-carrying capability, four-wheel-drive versatility and a more sophisticated driving experience than conventional pickups typically provide.

RAM Rampage: A More Compact Pickup Designed for European Roads

Measuring 5,028 mm in length and 1,886 mm in width, the RAM Rampage is smaller than a conventional mid-size pickup, making it better suited to European cities, tighter streets and everyday driving conditions. Despite its more manageable dimensions, it retains the imposing presence expected from a RAM vehicle.

Unlike traditional body-on-frame pickups, the Rampage uses a unibody architecture, combined with independent suspension and a multilink rear suspension layout. This configuration is intended to deliver improved ride comfort, stability and handling, particularly during everyday commuting and longer journeys.

Its versatility extends beyond paved roads. An on-demand four-wheel-drive system, 4WD Low mode and Hill Descent Control provide additional traction and control when tackling difficult terrain or challenging weather conditions.

The cargo bed measures 1,450 mm in length and is designed to accommodate a European pallet. Depending on the selected version, maximum payload capacity reaches 1,015 kg, giving the Rampage genuine working credentials alongside its lifestyle-oriented character.

According to Fabio Catone, Head of RAM and Dodge Brands for Enlarged Europe, the Rampage brings together the brand’s traditional strength and capability with premium comfort and everyday usability, while its dimensions make it particularly suitable for European customers.

RAM Rampage Rebel: 200 HP Diesel Power and Up to 1,015 kg Payload

The RAM Rampage Rebel represents the more utility-focused interpretation of the new pickup. Developed for customers who intend to use their vehicle for outdoor adventures, demanding activities and occasional work duties, it combines a rugged appearance with a capable diesel powertrain.

Under the bonnet sits a 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel engine producing 200 hp and 450 Nm of torque. Power is delivered through a nine-speed automatic transmission, while the four-wheel-drive system provides additional confidence when driving away from conventional roads.

The Rebel’s practical credentials are further supported by a maximum payload capacity of 1,015 kg, making it the more capable choice for customers who intend to regularly exploit the Rampage’s cargo-carrying potential.

Its exterior features 17-inch All-Terrain tyres and protective design elements intended to reinforce its off-road character. However, the Rebel is not simply a utilitarian pickup. Its suspension configuration, cabin equipment and overall refinement are designed to make it equally comfortable during everyday urban driving.

RAM Rampage R/T: 272 HP and Sports-Car-Inspired Performance

At the opposite end of the range, the RAM Rampage R/T takes a considerably more performance-oriented approach. Rather than focusing primarily on maximum payload and off-road practicality, this version emphasizes acceleration, road dynamics and a more sporting driving experience.

Its 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine develops 272 hp and 400 Nm of torque, making it the more powerful option in the European Rampage lineup.

The R/T accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.9 seconds and reaches a maximum speed of 220 km/h. Those figures are particularly impressive for a pickup, underlining RAM’s intention to create something different from the conventional commercial vehicles occupying this segment.

The sporting character is reinforced by 19-inch wheels, suspension lowered by 10 mm and a specially tuned sports exhaust system. Together, these modifications give the R/T a more dynamic appearance and are intended to provide a sharper road-going character.

Despite its performance credentials, the R/T retains the fundamental practicality of the Rampage platform. It comes with four-wheel drive and offers a maximum payload capacity of 750 kg, allowing owners to enjoy its more powerful engine without completely sacrificing pickup functionality.

Both European versions are equipped with a nine-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel-drive capability, although their different powertrains and suspension configurations give them distinctly different personalities.

Premium Interior With Digital Technology and Harman Kardon Audio

One of the Rampage’s main selling points is its cabin, which has been developed to offer a more sophisticated experience than buyers might traditionally expect from a compact pickup.

The interior features leather upholstery, carefully finished details and a driver-focused layout. Electrically adjustable seats are included, with up to 12-way electric adjustment available for the front seats, adding another layer of comfort during longer journeys.

Technology is another important part of the package. The dashboard incorporates a 12.3-inch multimedia touchscreen alongside a fully digital 10.3-inch instrument cluster, creating a modern and connected driving environment.

For audio enthusiasts, RAM has also included a premium Harman Kardon sound system, further reinforcing the Rampage’s positioning as a lifestyle vehicle rather than a conventional work-focused pickup.

The combination of digital displays, premium materials and comfort-oriented equipment is intended to make the Rampage equally appealing to customers who spend most of their time driving on paved roads.

Level 2 Driver Assistance and 4×4 Capability

Safety and driver assistance technologies are also an important part of the European Rampage package.

Both versions benefit from a comprehensive suite of Level 2 driver-assistance systems, including Hands-on Driving assistance, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Assist and Autonomous Emergency Braking.

These systems are designed to support the driver during everyday journeys, particularly on motorways and in congested traffic, while the four-wheel-drive system adds another layer of confidence when road conditions deteriorate.

The result is a pickup that aims to combine the functionality of a traditional utility vehicle with the comfort, technology and safety equipment increasingly expected from modern premium SUVs.

RAM Rampage Europe: Price and Market Launch

With European orders now officially open, the RAM Rampage is preparing to enter a segment that sits between traditional pickups and premium SUVs.

The European range consists of two models: the diesel-powered Rampage Rebel and the more powerful petrol-powered Rampage R/T.

The suggested retail price starts at €44,000, excluding taxes, while first customer deliveries are expected to begin in February 2027.

Whether customers choose the 200 hp diesel Rebel for its greater payload capacity or the 272 hp petrol R/T for its considerably stronger performance, the underlying proposition remains the same.

The RAM Rampage is designed for buyers who want the versatility of a pickup without accepting all the compromises traditionally associated with one. With compact European-friendly dimensions, a premium cabin, genuine cargo-carrying ability and standard four-wheel-drive capability, RAM is attempting to establish a new niche in Europe’s increasingly diverse pickup market.

Source: Stellantis

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Wayve, NVIDIA and Stellantis Partner to Advance Autonomous Driving in France

Wayve, NVIDIA and Stellantis have announced a new collaboration with the French government to accelerate the development and deployment of autonomous vehicles in France, combining AI-powered driving technology, advanced computing and next-generation vehicle platforms. The initiative aims to establish France as a major European hub for autonomous mobility while ensuring that safety, data sovereignty and local stakeholder engagement remain central to the transition.

The race to bring autonomous driving technology to European roads is gaining momentum. London-based AI developer Wayve is joining forces with NVIDIA, Stellantis and the French government in a new initiative designed to accelerate the development and real-world deployment of autonomous vehicles (AVs) in France and across the European Union.

Announced at the Assises du Véhicule Autonome, the collaboration brings together three major technology and automotive players, supported by the French government, to develop an ecosystem covering the entire autonomous driving value chain, from semiconductor technology and computing infrastructure to vehicle engineering, manufacturing and AI-powered driving systems.

The initiative builds on existing partnerships between the companies and reflects a broader ambition to make France a leading European destination for autonomous mobility development.

Wayve, NVIDIA and Stellantis Combine Their Autonomous Driving Technologies

At the heart of the collaboration is the integration of three complementary technologies. Stellantis will contribute its L4-Ready Platforms™ and extensive expertise in vehicle engineering and manufacturing, while Wayve will provide its AI Driver, an artificial intelligence-based driving system designed to enable autonomous vehicles to navigate complex real-world environments.

NVIDIA will contribute its computing and safety technology, with Wayve’s AI Driver set to integrate NVIDIA Halos OS on the NVIDIA Hyperion compute and sensor architecture.

Together, these technologies are intended to provide a foundation for the development of autonomous vehicles capable of operating with increasing levels of independence.

The partnership combines Wayve’s approach to embodied AI with NVIDIA’s computing capabilities and Stellantis’ experience in designing and producing vehicles at scale. Rather than treating autonomous driving as a standalone software challenge, the collaboration brings together the essential components required to move the technology from development and testing toward practical deployment.

The partners have not yet announced specific vehicle models, commercial launch dates or a detailed timetable for autonomous ride-hailing services in France.

Why France Is Central to Europe’s Autonomous Driving Ambitions

France is emerging as a strategic location for the next phase of autonomous mobility. The country has one of Europe’s largest ride-hailing markets, an established automotive industry and a growing artificial intelligence ecosystem.

Paris also hosted the AI Action Summit in 2025, where €109 billion in AI investment was announced, underlining the country’s ambitions to become a major centre for artificial intelligence development.

For Wayve, NVIDIA and Stellantis, these factors make France a natural base from which to advance autonomous driving technology and expand collaboration across Europe.

Stellantis already considers France one of its key centres for engineering and technology development, while Wayve is looking to work more closely with European governments and industry partners as it expands its AI-driven mobility technology.

The French government’s involvement is particularly significant because autonomous vehicle deployment depends on more than technological progress. Regulatory approval, public confidence, infrastructure readiness and cooperation with local transport operators will all play important roles in determining how quickly driverless mobility becomes commercially viable.

By bringing these interests together at an early stage, the collaboration aims to create conditions that support both innovation and responsible implementation.

Safety and Regulation Remain Key Priorities

One of the central objectives of the initiative is to support the development of a regulatory framework that enables autonomous vehicles to progress from controlled trials to real-world operations without compromising safety.

Philippe Tabarot, France’s Minister of Transport, welcomed the announcement, highlighting the country’s intention to adapt its regulatory framework to accelerate autonomous vehicle development while maintaining strict safety and data sovereignty requirements.

The minister also stressed the importance of bringing together trade unions, city authorities and mobility stakeholders as autonomous driving moves closer to wider deployment.

This approach reflects one of the industry’s most significant challenges: establishing public trust in vehicles that rely on artificial intelligence to interpret their surroundings and make driving decisions.

Although autonomous driving technology continues to advance, its adoption will depend on demonstrating that systems can operate safely in complex traffic conditions and comply with the regulatory requirements of individual markets.

Data sovereignty is another important consideration for European policymakers, particularly as AI-powered vehicles depend on sophisticated computing systems and large volumes of data. The partners’ collaboration with the French government is intended to help address these concerns as the technology develops.

Local Communities and Workers to Be Part of the Transition

Beyond engineering and computing, the initiative also places emphasis on the social and economic implications of autonomous mobility.

The partners have committed to developing autonomous driving alongside local French stakeholders, with engagement involving trade unions, municipal authorities and mobility-sector participants.

Local partners responsible for transport operations will lead discussions concerning the practical implementation of autonomous services. The stated objective is to ensure that the transition benefits workers, communities and passengers across the broader mobility ecosystem.

For the ride-hailing industry, autonomous vehicles could eventually reshape how services are delivered, how fleets are managed and how passengers access transportation. However, the transition also raises questions about employment, operational responsibilities and the relationship between automated systems and existing transport services.

By involving local stakeholders, the collaboration aims to address these issues as part of the deployment process rather than treating them as challenges to be resolved after the technology reaches the market.

What the Partnership Means for Stellantis, NVIDIA and Wayve

For each company, the collaboration offers an opportunity to strengthen its position in the emerging autonomous mobility market.

Wayve brings its AI Driver technology and expertise in embodied artificial intelligence, an approach that enables AI systems to perceive and respond to the physical world. The company sees France as an important partner in shaping how its technology can be deployed safely and responsibly across Europe.

Kaity Fischer, Wayve’s Vice President of Autonomous Mobility and Operations, said the company was proud to enter the collaboration at a significant moment for France’s autonomous vehicle ambitions. She highlighted cooperation with the French government and industry partners as an opportunity to accelerate development throughout the country and the wider EU.

Stellantis contributes the vehicle engineering and manufacturing capabilities needed to turn autonomous driving technology into deployable automotive products. Its L4-Ready Platforms™ provide the vehicle-platform element of the partnership, while its French engineering and technology operations offer an established base for further development.

Anne Laliron, Stellantis’ Senior Vice President of Technology Research, said the collaboration could accelerate the delivery of autonomous driving technologies designed to make mobility safer and more convenient for customers.

NVIDIA provides the computing architecture and safety technology underpinning the initiative. Its Hyperion platform and Halos OS are intended to work alongside Wayve’s AI Driver and Stellantis’ automotive expertise, bringing together the computing, software and vehicle systems required for autonomous mobility.

Ali Kani, NVIDIA’s Vice President of Automotive, emphasised that bringing safe autonomous mobility to Europe requires close cooperation across AI, computing and vehicle engineering. He also highlighted the importance of working with governments and local partners to extend the potential benefits of autonomous driving to communities across France and Europe.

The Road Ahead for Autonomous Vehicles in Europe

The collaboration between Wayve, NVIDIA, Stellantis and the French government represents another step toward the broader commercialisation of autonomous driving technology in Europe.

Its significance lies in the combination of AI development, computing infrastructure, automotive manufacturing and government engagement within a single initiative. France could benefit from the resulting ecosystem through further technology development, industrial cooperation and the potential expansion of autonomous mobility services.

Nevertheless, important milestones remain ahead. The integration of AI driving software into vehicle platforms, validation of system safety, regulatory approvals and the establishment of commercially sustainable operating models will determine how quickly the initiative can translate into vehicles on public roads.

The announcement does not, by itself, confirm that fully autonomous ride-hailing services are ready for widespread deployment in France. Instead, it establishes a framework for cooperation intended to accelerate the development and responsible introduction of the technology.

For the European automotive industry, the partnership highlights a growing recognition that the future of autonomous driving will depend on collaboration between automakers, AI developers, technology suppliers and public authorities.

If the initiative achieves its ambitions, France could become an important base for developing and deploying AI-powered autonomous vehicles, helping Europe strengthen its position in a market increasingly shaped by advances in artificial intelligence and high-performance computing.

Source: Stellantis

News

Tesla Renames Full Self-Driving to Assisted Driving in Europe

Tesla has renamed its controversial Full Self-Driving (FSD) system to Tesla Assisted Driving across several European markets as the American electric vehicle manufacturer continues its push to secure broader regulatory approval for its advanced driver-assistance technology across the European Union.

The name change, which has appeared on Tesla’s European websites and in updated online owner’s manuals, represents a significant adjustment in how the company presents its driver-assistance technology. It also addresses one of the main concerns raised by European safety regulators: the potential for the Full Self-Driving name to give motorists an exaggerated impression of the system’s capabilities.

Despite its previous branding, Tesla’s FSD technology does not make its vehicles fully autonomous in all driving situations. Drivers must remain attentive and ready to take control of the vehicle whenever necessary.

Tesla Full Self-Driving Becomes Tesla Assisted Driving in Europe

Over the past week, Tesla has updated the name of its Full Self-Driving system to Tesla Assisted Driving on its websites in several European countries, including Germany, Spain, Sweden and the Netherlands. The company’s online owner’s manuals in these markets have also been revised to reflect the new terminology.

The rebranding comes as Tesla works to expand access to its advanced driver-assistance features across Europe, where regulatory requirements and approval procedures differ from those in other markets.

Although Tesla has previously used the designation Full Self-Driving (Supervised) to emphasize the driver’s responsibility, the original name has attracted criticism from safety authorities and industry observers for potentially suggesting a level of autonomy the technology does not provide.

The new Tesla Assisted Driving name more directly communicates the system’s role: helping the driver rather than replacing them.

Why European Regulators Questioned Tesla’s FSD Branding

Tesla’s Full Self-Driving system is among the more advanced driver-assistance technologies available in passenger vehicles. Depending on the market, its features can assist with steering, acceleration, braking and navigating certain driving situations.

However, these capabilities do not mean a Tesla can operate independently in every situation. The driver remains responsible for supervising the system, monitoring road conditions and intervening when required.

Regulators have expressed concerns that the Full Self-Driving name, much like Tesla’s Autopilot branding, could encourage some motorists to overestimate the technology’s capabilities. A driver who mistakenly believes a vehicle can manage every driving situation without supervision could pay insufficient attention to the road.

Tesla has repeatedly stated on its website and social media channels that its driver-assistance technology does not make its vehicles fully autonomous and does not eliminate the need for an attentive human driver.

Nevertheless, the distinction between advanced driver assistance and full autonomy remains an important issue for regulators as increasingly sophisticated systems become available in modern vehicles.

By adopting the Tesla Assisted Driving name, the company has addressed one of the concerns surrounding its technology without fundamentally changing the system itself.

Tesla FSD Approval in Europe: The Netherlands Leads the Way

The rebranding follows progress in Tesla’s efforts to obtain regulatory approval for its advanced driver-assistance system in Europe.

Approximately six months earlier, the Dutch vehicle authority RDW approved the introduction of Tesla’s Full Self-Driving system in the Netherlands following an extended testing process.

Since that decision, seven additional European Union countries have approved the introduction of relevant driver-assistance features in their markets: Croatia, Slovenia, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Lithuania, Denmark and Belgium. Slovakia has also been expected to approve the system.

These national approvals represent important progress for Tesla, although they do not automatically establish unrestricted availability throughout the European Union.

The company’s broader objective is to secure sufficient regulatory support for a wider rollout, allowing more European Tesla owners to access the technology under the applicable local rules.

EU-Wide Tesla Assisted Driving Approval Delayed Until December

Tesla’s European expansion plans still face a significant regulatory hurdle.

A vote concerning the technology had been expected to take place in October 2026 but has been postponed until December, delaying a potentially important step towards broader EU-wide availability.

For the system to receive approval across the European Union through the relevant voting procedure, a qualified majority of at least 15 of the bloc’s 27 member states must vote in favour.

The outcome will determine whether Tesla can make further progress towards offering the system across more European markets under a common regulatory framework.

For CEO Elon Musk, the approval process is particularly important. He has repeatedly emphasized the role of Full Self-Driving technology in Tesla’s long-term strategy, as the company seeks to expand beyond electric vehicle manufacturing into software-driven services and autonomous-driving development.

The branding adjustment could therefore help remove one obstacle in the company’s negotiations with European authorities, although a name change alone cannot guarantee regulatory approval.

Tesla Assisted Driving Is Not Fully Autonomous Driving

The distinction between driver assistance and autonomous driving remains central to understanding Tesla’s technology.

Advanced driver-assistance systems can reduce the workload associated with certain driving tasks, but their capabilities depend on the specific software, vehicle configuration, operating conditions and regulatory approval applicable in each market.

Full autonomy requires a substantially different level of capability and regulatory acceptance. Until a vehicle is legally and technically permitted to operate without continuous human supervision under the relevant conditions, drivers must remain responsible for driving.

Tesla’s revised branding makes that distinction more explicit. However, the new name does not, by itself, indicate that the company has changed the underlying technology, introduced new capabilities or altered the driver’s legal responsibilities.

The precise functions available to European customers will continue to depend on the version of the system approved for their market.

What Tesla’s Name Change Means for the Future of Driver Assistance

Tesla’s decision to replace Full Self-Driving with Tesla Assisted Driving highlights a broader challenge facing the automotive industry: communicating increasingly advanced vehicle technology without creating unrealistic expectations.

As manufacturers introduce systems capable of handling more driving tasks, clear terminology is becoming increasingly important for consumer understanding and road safety. The difference between a vehicle that assists a driver and one that can operate autonomously is not merely a marketing distinction; it affects how motorists understand their responsibilities behind the wheel.

For Tesla, the new name is a relatively straightforward change that could help address European regulators’ concerns while the company continues pursuing broader approval.

However, the more significant milestone will be whether Tesla Assisted Driving secures the necessary support for an expanded European rollout. The postponed December vote could prove important in determining the technology’s regulatory future across the EU.

For now, Tesla’s rebranding marks a change in presentation rather than a declaration of full autonomy. The system remains a driver-assistance technology, and European motorists must continue to supervise its operation and remain prepared to intervene.

Source: Automotive News