Ad Insider: Ram Trucks, Ford, Walmart, Stewart’s Shops, Lidl.

Ram Trucks now is allowing buyers interested in its forthcoming all-electric 1500 REV pickup to reserve a spot in line to preorder the vehicle, which will be available in the fourth quarter of next year, according to a new website. The Stellantis brand sent a promotional email last week announcing “up to 48-hour early access” to the reservations to customers who previously signed up for information on the “Ram Revolution,” directing them to RamREV.com. To make a reservation, which doesn’t guarantee the ability to purchase the truck, customers have to become a “REV Insider+,” which requires a $100 payment… Ford said it is adding a second battery chemistry to give buyers choice and to get more EVs on the road faster, whittling down the long waiting lists for its in-demand EVs. Starting this spring, Ford will add a second and more affordable battery that will replace the standard battery in the lower trim level of the Ford Mustang Mach-E electric SUV. It will be offered in the lower trim of the Ford F-150 Lightning electric full-size pickup next year.

Walmart, Amazon Fresh and ALDI top shoppers’ preferences for online grocery shopping, according to Chicory’s 2023 Online Grocery Shopping Report, which surveyed 1,000 e-grocery shoppers. Amazon’s second grocery banner — Whole Foods Market — ranked 10th on the list, with Kroger, Costco, Albertsons, Ahold Delhaize USA, Target and H.E. Butt Grocery filling out the remaining top 10 spots.

Freddy’s Frozen Custard and Steakburgers has growth in mind, according to CEO Chris Dull. The Wichita, Kan.-based brand has about 460 restaurants across 36 states but Dull believes more than 3,000 are possible. The better burger space may seem saturated, but opportunity remains. The market size of the burger category, for instance, has increased 5.1% per year on average since 2018, according to IBISWorld data, with more growth expected this year. Freddy’s ranks No. 1 in the fast casual category for customer service, according to a Newsweek and Statista survey... Stewart’s Shops will meet growing demand for prepared food by tripling the size of the commercial kitchen at its dairy in Greenfield, N.Y., allowing it to better supply its convenience store network with menu items such as sandwiches, soups, salads and more. The commercial kitchen will grow from an approximate 3,500 square feet to around 9,500 square feet. Construction of the kitchen expansion is scheduled to begin this summer with the goal of completion by spring 2024.

Lidl seems to be primed for expansion, following its purchase of nearly 70 acres in Bucks County, Pa. The German-owned chain, which has been steadily growing its footprint in the East Coast, confirmed that it recently bought acreage for a future warehouse at the site of the Keystone Trade Center. The sale is said to be close to $145 million. Lidl operates several stores in Pennsylvania, including locations in Philadelphia, Lancaster and Reading.