Chrysler Group Reports December 2003 Sales Increase of 2 Percent
* December is Third Consecutive Month of Year-Over-Year Sales Gains * Chrysler Pacifica Posts Eighth Month of Increased Sales; Dodge Durango Continues Sales Momentum, Selling Nearly 10,000 Units in December * Dodge Ram Has Best Year Ever * Chrysler Group Sales Increase Five Percent for Fourth Quarter
AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Jan. 5 -- Chrysler Group reported sales of 182,831 units in December 2003, up two percent compared to December 2002 sales of 172,494 units. December represents the third consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains. Sales are calculated on a day-rate basis.
"We gained tremendous momentum in the second half of 2003 with sales of the 2004 Chrysler Pacifica and the all-new 2004 Dodge Durango," said Gary Dilts, Chrysler Group Senior Vice President - Sales. "Those new products, along with strong sales within our existing core products, are what pushed the Chrysler Group to achieve three consecutive months of sales increases."
Chrysler Pacifica sold 8,459 units, an all-time monthly high for the Pacifica since its introduction last year, and a 14 percent increase over November 2003 when 7,142 units were sold. Yearly sales of the Pacifica totaled 56,656 units.
"Selling almost 8,500 units clearly establishes the Chrysler Pacifica as a segment leader," said Dilts.
Dodge brand sales totaled 95,299 for the month. Showcased by the all-new 2004 model, the Dodge Durango continued its strong sales performance with 9,694 units sold in December, representing a 26 percent gain above the 7,427 units sold in December 2002.
"The strong launch of the Dodge Durango shows that we hit the mark with styling, features and price," said Dilts. "Consumers recognize the great value Durango offers as a large SUV, and we expect stronger performance going forward."
Dodge Ram set the pace for the Dodge brand with three new sales records. Dodge Ram had its best December ever, with 40,119 units sold, an 11 percent increase, eclipsing the previous record of 34,812 units in December 2002.
For the fourth quarter, Dodge Ram sold 115,222 units, a new fourth quarter record and 23 percent more than the fourth quarter 2002. Yearly totals for the Dodge Ram were a record 449,371 units, a dramatic increase of 13 percent versus 2002 when 396,934 units were sold.
The Chrysler brand finished 2003 on a strong note with 42,659 units sold in December, a 33 percent increase over December 2002 when 30,883 units were sold.
December was the best month of the year for the Jeep(R) brand with 44,873 units sold. That was down six percent from a record-setting December 2002, when 45,751 units were sold. Jeep Wrangler had a strong month, selling 6,099 units, increasing 16 percent over December 2002. For the year, Wrangler sold 70,093 units, improving nine percent over 2002.
Fourth quarter sales for the Chrysler Group were 506,305 units, a five percent increase over 2002 fourth quarter sales of 481,587 units.
Chrysler Group finished 2003 with 2,127,451 units sold in the U.S., a decrease of four percent from 2002 when 2,205,446 units were sold.
"The economy is improving. Our fourth quarter sales increase over last year has clearly established momentum for the Chrysler Group as we transition into 2004 and prepare to launch nine new products into the marketplace," said Dilts. "Dodge Ram and our existing core products carried the load for 2003. The Chrysler Pacifica and Dodge Durango have generated excitement and anticipation about our upcoming products for 2004. We have laid the foundation for a strong 2004."
Other highlights for December 2003 include:
* Chrysler PT Cruiser sold 10,442 units, an increase of 21 percent over the 8,332 units sold in December 2002.
* Dodge Neon sales increased seven percent to 8,209 units, versus December 2002 when 7,387 units were sold.
* Chrysler Group finished the month with 521,137 units of inventory, or a 74-day supply.
DaimlerChrysler Corporation U.S. Sales Summary Thru December 2003
Month Sales DR % Sales CYTD DR %
Model Curr Yr Pr Yr Change Curr Yr Pr Yr Change
Sebring 8,445 5,601 45% 100,109 112,367 -11%
Concorde 1,260 2,583 -53% 28,519 31,611 -10%
300M 1,441 2,360 -41% 24,910 32,375 -23%
LHS 0 0 0% 0 552 -100%
Prowler 5 39 -88% 516 1,328 -61%
Crossfire 611 0 4,021 0
CHRYSLER CAR 11,762 10,583 7% 158,075 178,233 -11%
PT Cruiser 10,442 8,332 21% 107,759 138,260 -22%
Pacifica 8,459 0 0% 56,656 0 0%
Voyager 2,588 1,911 30% 20,333 37,392 -46%
Town & Country 9,408 10,057 -10% 120,767 126,378 -4%
CHRYSLER TRUCK 30,897 20,300 46% 305,515 302,030 1%
CHRYSLER BRAND 42,659 30,883 33% 463,590 480,263 -3%
Wrangler 6,099 5,072 16% 70,093 64,351 9%
Liberty 15,600 16,555 -9% 162,987 171,212 -5%
Grand Cherokee 23,174 24,124 -8% 207,479 224,233 -7%
JEEP BRAND 44,873 45,751 -6% 440,559 459,796 -4%
CP CAR 11,762 10,583 7% 158,075 178,838 -12%
CPJ TRUCK 75,770 66,051 10% 746,074 761,826 -2%
CPJ DIVISION 87,532 76,634 10% 904,149 940,664 -4%
Neon 8,209 7,387 7% 120,101 126,118 -5%
Stratus 6,680 8,307 -23% 99,924 109,233 -9%
Intrepid 3,097 7,919 -62% 76,473 111,356 -31%
Viper 132 77 65% 2,103 1,511 39%
DODGE CAR 18,118 23,690 -26% 298,601 348,218 -14%
Dakota 7,544 8,581 -15% 111,273 130,712 -15%
Ram P/U 40,119 34,812 11% 449,371 396,934 13%
Caravan 18,853 19,236 -6% 233,394 244,911 -5%
Durango 9,694 7,427 26% 108,010 106,925 1%
Ram Van/Wagon 632 2,114 -71% 20,712 37,082 -44%
Sprinter Van 339 0 0% 1,941 0 0%
DODGE TRUCK 77,181 72,170 3% 924,701 916,564 1%
DODGE DIVISION 95,299 95,860 -4% 1,223,302 1,264,782 -3%
TOTAL CAR 29,880 34,273 -16% 456,676 527,056 -13%
TOTAL TRUCK 152,951 138,221 6% 1,670,775 1,678,390 0%
TOTAL CAR &
TRUCK 182,831 172,494 2% 2,127,451 2,205,446 -4%
Total Minivan 30,849 31,204 -5% 374,494 408,681 -8%
Total Sport
Utility 54,567 53,178 -1% 548,569 566,721 -3%
Selling Days 26 25 307 307
