Fiat Chrysler plans a major update to its 1500 pickup truck for the 2017 model year, but hasn't committed to producing a mostly aluminum version to compete with Ford's 2015 F-150.

The update will come as part of an ambitious growth plan announced publicly by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) on May 6. Sergio Marchionne, chief executive and chairman, fielded questions at an afternoon press conference.

The Ram 1500 will get a minor update for the 2015 model year, according to the plan, and will not likely arrive in an aluminum version, Marchionne said.

"We're going to hold off and see what happens in the marketplace," he said. "If it's successful, we will emulate them. If it's the right answer, we will all join in."

The Ram heavy-duty pickup trucks will get a minor update in 2016 and a major update in 2018, according to the plan. For the Ram Commercial nameplate, the chassis cab truck is scheduled for a minor update in 2016 and a major update in 2018. The commercial light-duty trucks get a major update in 2017 and a major update in 2018.