Chrysler Group Reports February 2005 U.S. Sales Increase 8 Percent
* Chrysler Brand Sales Set February Sales Record, Increase 36 Percent * Chrysler 300 Tops 10,000 units for 10th Consecutive Month * Minivan Sales Rise 10 Percent Year-Over-Year and Continue Segment Leadership * February Sales Represent 11 Consecutive Months of Year-Over-Year Sales Gains * Dodge Magnum Sales Increase 4 Percent Over January Sales * Jeep(R) Sales Show Momentum; Sales Dramatically Increase 30 Percent over January 2005 Results
AUBURN HILLS, Mich., March 1 -- Chrysler Group reported U.S. sales for February 2005 of 185,643 units, an increase of 8 percent over February 2004 sales of 172,647 units. February represents the 11th consecutive month of year-over-year sales increases for Chrysler Group, and for 16 of the past 17 months.
"Sales for February show that we are sustaining our momentum and leading us towards a sixth consecutive successful quarter of sales," said Gary Dilts, Chrysler Group Senior Vice President - Sales. "Chrysler brand sales continue their record-setting pace while Jeep sales are accelerating over January sales as we move into the spring selling season."
Sales of Chrysler brand vehicles increased 36 percent to a February record 53,575 units. Sales for February 2004 were 39,405 units. The Chrysler 300 continued to captivate the public and attract new customers to the Chrysler brand. February sales for the vehicle were 12,665 units, an increase of 25 percent over January 2005 sales of 10,112 units and the 10th consecutive month of sales over 10,000 units. Sales of the PT Cruiser increased 10 percent to 8,997 units compared to 8,175 units sold in February 2004.
Sales of Chrysler Group industry-leading minivans increased 10 percent to 35,348 units, led by the Chrysler Town & Country which posted sales of 16,233 units, an increase of 38 percent over February 2004 sales of 11,796 units. Dodge Caravan, the industry leader in minivan sales, posted sales of 19,115 units, a decline of 7 percent compared to 20,484 units sold last year.
"Sales of Chrysler Group's industry-leading minivans with the exclusive Stow 'n Go(TM) feature continue to be an attractive selling feature that customers request by name," said Dilts. "It is the most unique and exclusive feature that makes our minivans stand out among the sea of similar minivan nameplates."
Dodge brand sales improved 2 percent by posting sales of 96,312 units, led by strong sales of the Dodge Durango which posted sales of 12,998 units, an increase of 32 percent. February 2004 sales of Dodge Durango were 9,856 units. Dodge Magnum continued its solid performance in the marketplace rising 4 percent to 5,248 units compared to January 2005 sales of 5,067 units.
Jeep(R) brand sales declined by 8 percent, but showed signs of acceleration as February sales improved 30 percent to 35,756 units over January in advance of the spring selling season. January 2005 sales were 27,465 units. Deliveries of the all-new Grand Cherokee, which recently received the government's highest ratings for frontal and side impact protection, have arrived at dealers and sales are accelerating compared to January 2005 sales, rising 22 percent to 15,531 units.
Jeep Liberty sales declined slightly by 3 percent when compared to last year, but posted sales of 15,027 units, a 37 percent improvement compared to January 2005 results. Jeep Wrangler posted sales of 5,198 units, a 39 percent improvement over January 2005 sales of 3,743 units.
"The industry held up well despite severe weather in many parts of the country," said Dilts. "We anticipate some pent-up demand and expect good results in March. Our product lineup is currently the youngest in the industry. With at least 5 new products coming this year, we are in a great position to play offense."
Chrysler Group finished the month with 607,580 units of inventory, or a 79-day supply.
DaimlerChrysler Corporation U.S. Sales Summary Thru February 2005
Month Sales DR% Vol% Sales CYTD DR% Vol%
Model Curr Yr Pr Yr Change Change Curr Yr Pr Yr Change Change
Sebring 7,732 10,349 -25% -25% 14,038 17,905 -18% -22%
Concorde 36 667 -95% -95% 72 1,273 -94% -94%
300 12,665 912 1289% 1289% 22,777 1,876 1165% 1114%
Crossfire 902 1,052 -14% -14% 1,776 1,522 22% 17%
PT Cruiser 8,997 8,175 10% 10% 16,884 18,681 -6% -10%
Pacifica 7,010 6,454 9% 9% 12,246 12,916 -1% -5%
Town &
Country 16,233 11,796 38% 38% 27,587 19,168 50% 44%
CHRYSLER
BRAND 53,575 39,405 36% 36% 95,380 73,341 35% 30%
Wrangler 5,198 6,960 -25% -25% 8,941 12,351 -25% -28%
Liberty 15,027 15,432 -3% -3% 25,994 28,133 -4% -8%
Grand
Cherokee 15,531 16,610 -6% -6% 28,286 31,794 -7% -11%
JEEP
BRAND 35,756 39,002 -8% -8% 63,221 72,278 -9% -13%
Neon 12,390 11,807 5% 5% 23,648 22,565 9% 5%
Stratus 7,998 8,831 -9% -9% 16,382 14,210 20% 15%
Intrepid 38 1,323 -97% -97% 91 3,364 -97% -97%
Viper 104 137 -24% -24% 179 243 -23% -26%
Magnum 5,248 0 0% 0% 10,315 0 0% 0%
Dakota 8,250 8,452 -2% -2% 14,339 14,263 5% 1%
Ram P/U 29,202 31,848 -8% -8% 53,526 59,869 -7% -11%
Caravan 19,115 20,484 -7% -7% 32,912 38,016 -10% -13%
Durango 12,998 9,856 32% 32% 21,991 18,744 22% 17%
Ram Van/Wagon 73 767 -90% -90% 131 1,621 -92% -92%
Sprinter Van 896 735 22% 22% 1,639 1,134 51% 45%
DODGE
BRAND 96,312 94,240 2% 2% 175,153 174,029 5% 1%
TOTAL
CHRYSLER
GROUP 185,643 172,647 8% 8% 333,754 319,648 9% 4%
TOTAL CG
CAR 42,858 35,400 21% 21% 80,887 63,377 33% 28%
TOTAL CG
TRUCK 142,785 137,247 4% 4% 252,867 256,271 3% -1%
Selling Days 24 24 48 50
