Chrysler Group Reports U.S. September 2003 Sales Down 15%
* Dodge Ram Sets January-September Sales Record * Pacifica Sales Increase for Sixth Consecutive Month to Highest Total Ever * All-new 2004 Dodge Durango Ready to Launch in November
AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Oct. 1 -- Chrysler Group reported U.S. sales of 147,114 units in September 2003, a 15-percent decline when compared with September 2002 on a day-rate selling basis.
Dodge Ram continued its position as sales volume leader for the Chrysler Group with 31,669 units. Through the end of the third quarter of 2003, Ram posted sales of 334,149 units, achieving the best-ever January-September sales total in Ram's history. Jeep(R) Grand Cherokee posted strong sales with 16,410 units, a 9-percent increase compared with September 2002, when 14,412 units were sold.
"The Dodge Ram continues to sell strong, even as our competitors introduce new products to the marketplace," said Gary Dilts, Chrysler Group Senior Vice President - Sales.
The Chrysler Group sold a monthly best 7,589 Chrysler Pacifica units, an increase of 15 percent, when measured on a day-rate selling basis, compared with August 2003. September represents the sixth consecutive month of increased sales for Pacifica. "The Pacifica is well-received by the press and the public, and has a price range that is well-positioned to compete in the market, and our sales reflect that," said Dilts.
"Looking ahead, the market is very competitive on all fronts," said Dilts. "We have 10 new product introductions over the next 12 months, beginning with the all-new Dodge Durango next month. While signs show the economy improving, we are not waiting. We have a plan. We are coming out with all-new products that will move our company forward."
The all-new, highly anticipated 2004 Dodge Durango will be launched in dealer showrooms November 15, 2003. The 2004 Durango is Dodge's entry into the large SUV segment, features a much more refined ride, improved fuel economy, more interior room and versatility, and legendary Hemi(R) power.
"The all-new Durango delivers size, versatility, performance and capability on every front," said Dilts.
Chrysler Group finished the month with 528,325 units of inventory, or a 86-day supply.
DaimlerChrysler Corporation U.S. Sales Summary Thru September 2003
Month Sales DR % Sales CYTD DR %
Model Curr Yr Pr Yr Change Curr Yr Pr Yr Change
Sebring 6,299 7,871 -23% 76,061 95,222 -20%
Concorde 1,328 2,606 -51% 24,557 24,881 -1%
300M 1,479 2,701 -48% 20,486 25,426 -19%
LHS 0 0 0% 0 552 -100%
Prowler 0 56 -100% 511 1,192 -57%
Crossfire 578 0 2,171 0
CHRYSLER CAR 9,684 13,234 -30% 123,786 147,273 -16%
PT Cruiser 6,305 10,424 -42% 83,934 111,854 -25%
Pacifica 7,589 0 0% 33,352 0 0%
Voyager 1,163 2,067 -46% 13,852 31,671 -56%
Town & Country 7,022 7,446 -10% 97,333 99,837 -3%
CHRYSLER TRUCK 22,079 19,937 6% 228,471 243,362 -6%
CHRYSLER BRAND 31,763 33,171 -8% 352,257 390,635 -10%
Wrangler 4,770 6,448 -29% 51,678 50,932 1%
Liberty 10,253 15,783 -38% 118,549 124,522 -5%
Grand Cherokee 16,410 14,412 9% 144,750 161,175 -10%
JEEP BRAND 31,433 36,643 -18% 314,977 336,629 -6%
CP CAR 9,684 13,234 -30% 123,786 147,878 -16%
CPJ TRUCK 53,512 56,580 -9% 543,448 579,991 -6%
CPJ DIVISION 63,196 69,814 -13% 667,234 727,869 -8%
Neon 10,574 10,121 0% 94,211 100,215 -6%
Stratus 7,117 8,950 -24% 78,779 86,717 -9%
Intrepid 5,127 7,416 -34% 68,557 90,965 -25%
Viper 110 263 -60% 1,741 1,335 30%
DODGE CAR 22,928 26,750 -18% 243,288 279,232 -13%
Dakota 8,285 11,133 -29% 86,731 106,043 -18%
Ram P/U 31,669 33,924 -11% 334,149 303,319 10%
Caravan 12,522 12,344 -3% 185,047 192,632 -4%
Durango 7,225 8,685 -20% 85,308 83,657 2%
Ram Van/Wagon 1,014 2,747 -65% 18,383 31,107 -41%
Sprinter Van 275 0 0% 1,006 0 0%
DODGE TRUCK 60,990 68,833 -15% 710,624 716,758 -1%
DODGE DIVISION 83,918 95,583 -16% 953,912 995,990 -4%
TOTAL CAR 32,612 39,984 -22% 367,074 427,110 -14%
TOTAL TRUCK 114,502 125,413 -13% 1,254,072 1,296,749 -3%
TOTAL CAR & TRUCK 147,114 165,397 -15% 1,621,146 1,723,859 -6%
Total Minivan 20,707 21,857 -9% 296,232 324,140 -9%
Total Sport Utility 38,658 45,328 -18% 400,285 420,286 -5%
Selling Days 24 23 229 229
