Ram Truck today announced a new trim package aimed at one of the pickup truck category's largest traditional customer bases: the Ram Tradesman.

The Tradesman is a value-priced option package designed to meet the hard-working needs of small business operators, construction jobsites and commercial fleets.

"The Ram Tradesman is named for -- and aimed at -- the heart of our business," said Fred Diaz, President and CEO, Ram Truck Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. "This is a hard-working truck for hard-working people. Durability, reliability and value for the money are the top three considerations for our customers. Their truck is the most important tool they own and one they'll use every day. The Ram Tradesman is a truck they can depend on."

Ram Tradesman starts with the popular Ram 1500 ST trim package, adding features such as a standard HEMI engine with five-speed automatic transmission. HEMI-equipped Ram 1500s are rated at 390 hp / 407 ft-lb torque and 20 mpg highway in the 4x2 configuration, Dodge says.

Also included in the Tradesman package is a standard Class IV trailer hitch with lighted, above-bumper four- and seven-pin trailer wire connectors. Tradesman also features heavy-duty engine cooling and a heavy-duty transmission oil cooler. Properly equipped Tradesman models provide standard work truck capability, towing 10,450 lbs.

Ram 1500 Tradesman is also equipped with durable, good-looking 17-inch full-face painted steel wheels exclusive to the Tradesman.

Ram Tradesman is available in either regular cab short-bed (76 in.) and long-bed (96 in.) models, with a choice of 4x2 or 4x4 powertrains. Ram Trucks come with a 5-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty.

Ram Tradesman pricing starts at $22,780, including $975 destination charge. Tradesman will go on sale in the second quarter 2011.

More info: www.ramtrucks.com.