Chrysler Group Reports U.S. Sales for September 2006
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* Minivan sales improve 53 percent year-over-year, strengthening segment leadership * Jeep(R) Commander leads strong 11 percent increase in SUV sales, sets monthly sales record * Jeep Compass sales continue to gain momentum in the marketplace * Dodge Nitro explodes into Dodge showrooms with strong September start
AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Oct. 3 -- Chrysler Group reported sales for September 2006 of 168,888 units; a decline of 7 percent (4 percent decline, unadjusted) compared to September 2005 sales of 175,556 units. Sales are reported on an adjusted basis unless otherwise indicated.
"The new, more fuel-efficient products in our portfolio are available in the marketplace, and customers are responding positively to their arrival," said Steven Landry, Vice President - Sales and Field Operations, Chrysler Group. "The Dodge Caliber and Jeep(R) Compass are both strong selling products and the Dodge Nitro is showing great momentum in the short time it has been available. And, we've got more great products to launch in the fourth quarter."
The performance of several products in key segments such as minivans and sport-utility vehicles posted significant sales gains during September, while new product introductions continue to gain momentum and lead the way for additional new product deliveries in the fourth quarter.
Minivans
Chrysler Group strengthened its leadership in the minivan segment with the Dodge Caravan and the Chrysler Town & Country, both of which offer the exclusive Stow 'n Go(R) seating and storage system. Sales for Chrysler Group minivans increased 53 percent, posting sales of 33,122 units for September. Previous year sales were 20,784 units.
Sport-utility Vehicles
The Jeep Commander contributed to a strong 11 percent increase in sales of the sport-utility category for the Chrysler Group and a 22 percent rise in Jeep brand sales. The Jeep Commander posted a monthly sales record of 9,780 units, an increase of 517 percent over September 2005 sales of 1,524 units, the first month it was available.
New Products
Several new products contributed to Chrysler Group sales and are receiving positive customer response. The Dodge Caliber, which is making headway in the small car segment, posted healthy sales of 8,243 units in September. Since its inception, the Dodge Caliber has posted sales of 68,001 units.
The Jeep Compass continues its strong momentum, posting sales of 3,680 units, an increase of 85 percent over August 2006 sales of 2,061 units. The Jeep Compass expands the product portfolio of the Jeep brand with an all-new, modern-styled compact Jeep that delivers fun, freedom, utility, excellent fuel efficiency and Jeep 4x4 capability at a terrific value.
The Chrysler Aspen launched in September, posted sales of 734 units, while the Dodge Nitro posted sales of 966 units in its first month of availability. The all-new 2007 Chrysler Aspen is the latest addition to the Chrysler brand showroom -- a premium SUV that is a value alternative to luxury-priced competitors while offering fuel-saving MDS technology, best-in-class torque, horsepower and interior room.
Chrysler Group announces its "All About The Best" 0 percent financing for 60 months on a majority of 2006 Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge products. Qualifying customers can choose 0 percent financing for 60 months or cash back amounts up to $6,000. The program runs through Oct. 31, 2006. Chrysler 300, Dodge Magnum, and Dodge Charger vehicles are excluded.
"We intend to remain competitive in the marketplace with great new fuel- efficient product introductions like the Jeep Compass and Dodge Nitro," said Michael Manley, Vice President - Sales Strategy and Dealer Operations, Chrysler Group. "Our hallmark is great products at a great value with the best of American and German engineering and design. We intend to rely on those strengths and offer something truly unique to customers in the market who want to buy a new vehicle."
Chrysler Group finished the month with 533,220 units of inventory, or an 82-day supply.
DaimlerChrysler Corporation U.S. Sales Summary Thru
September 2006
Month Sales DR % Vol %
Model Curr Yr Pr Yr Change Change
Sebring 1,664 6,116 -74% -73%
Concorde 0 0 0% 0%
300 10,632 12,283 -17% -13%
Crossfire 1,431 1,227 12% 17%
PT Cruiser 10,675 11,742 -13% -9%
Aspen 734 0 0% 0%
Pacifica 7,446 5,784 24% 29%
Town & Country 14,629 8,394 68% 74%
CHRYSLER BRAND 47,211 45,546 0% 4%
Compass 3,680 0 0% 0%
Wrangler 5,032 5,463 -11% -8%
Liberty 12,367 12,108 -2% 2%
Grand Cherokee 11,034 14,025 -24% -21%
Commander 9,780 1,524 517% 542%
JEEP BRAND 41,893 33,120 22% 26%
Neon 67 12,344 -99% -99%
Caliber 8,243 0 0% 0%
Stratus 371 6,249 -94% -94%
Intrepid 0 0 0% 0%
Charger 10,228 6,809 44% 50%
Viper 110 98 8% 12%
Magnum 3,668 2,876 23% 28%
Dakota 4,617 8,921 -50% -48%
Ram P/U 25,081 35,502 -32% -29%
Caravan 18,493 12,390 44% 49%
Durango 5,652 9,656 -44% -41%
Nitro 966 0 0% 0%
Ram Van/Wagon 0 3 -100% -100%
Sprinter Van 2,288 2,042 8% 12%
DODGE BRAND 79,784 96,890 -21% -18%
TOTAL CHRYSLER
GROUP 168,888 175,556 -7% -4%
TOTAL CG
CAR 33,716 45,941 -29% -27%
TOTAL CG
TRUCK 135,172 129,615 0% 4%
Selling Days 26 25
Sales CYTD DR % Vol %
Model Curr Yr Pr Yr Change Change
Sebring 46,726 68,543 -32% -32%
Concorde 0 210 -100% -100%
300 106,107 106,384 -1% 0%
Crossfire 7,381 11,503 -36% -36%
PT Cruiser 106,114 100,179 5% 6%
Aspen 734 0 0% 0%
Pacifica 60,885 67,282 -10% -10%
Town & Country 127,053 141,301 -10% -10%
CHRYSLER BRAND 455,000 495,402 -9% -8%
Compass 6,448 0 0% 0%
Wrangler 54,234 64,697 -17% -16%
Liberty 103,214 130,986 -22% -21%
Grand Cherokee 109,158 163,821 -34% -33%
Commander 64,829 1,524 4135% 4154%
JEEP BRAND 337,883 361,028 -7% -6%
Neon 17,044 99,332 -83% -83%
Caliber 68,001 0 0% 0%
Stratus 50,284 77,167 -35% -35%
Intrepid 0 298 -100% -100%
Charger 87,768 23,721 268% 270%
Viper 1,113 1,157 -4% -4%
Magnum 32,646 42,671 -24% -23%
Dakota 61,473 86,243 -29% -29%
Ram P/U 275,225 318,812 -14% -14%
Caravan 170,351 179,307 -5% -5%
Durango 53,417 90,792 -41% -41%
Nitro 966 0 0% 0%
Ram Van/Wagon 0 405 -100% -100%
Sprinter Van 16,777 14,337 17% 17%
DODGE BRAND 835,065 934,242 -11% -11%
TOTAL CHRYSLER
GROUP 1,627,948 1,790,672 -9% -9%
TOTAL CG
CAR 394,407 403,838 -3% -2%
TOTAL CG
TRUCK 1,233,541 1,386,834 -11% -11%
Selling Days 230 229
