Chrysler LLC Reports May 2008 Sales; Let's Refuel America $2.99 Gas Guarantee Continues to Gain Retail Momentum
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- $2.99 Gas Guarantee increases showroom traffic, runs until July 7
- Fleet sales reduced more than 40%; Retail sales move closer to industry trend
- Fuel-efficient Jeep(R) Patriot sales accelerate to new monthly record
- New Dodge brand lineup embraced by consumers
- Chrysler Aspen sales continue to grow
- 'New Day' Value Package models continue to resonate well with consumers
AUBURN HILLS, Mich., June 3 -- Chrysler LLC today reported total May 2008 sales of 148,747 units, which is 25 percent below the same period last year. Total May sales reflect a combination of record sales of Chrysler's newest highly fuel-efficient vehicles, an unusually high 40 percent cut in monthly fleet vehicle sales and a continued industry wide slowdown in pickup truck and SUV sales. All sales figures are reported as unadjusted.
"There is a new era emerging in the restructuring of the American economy. There is an unprecedented shift in the industry that is challenging, but we are determined to provide consumers what they need and want," Vice Chairman and President Jim Press said. "We are responding to consumers with innovative incentive choices and new vehicle offerings, five of which get 28 mpg highway driving for under $20,000. These actions have helped move our retail sales more in line with the overall industry and provided a lift for our dealers this month."
May sales highlight the continued growth of Dodge brand cars and crossovers, such as the Dodge Caliber and Dodge Journey, both of which come with a standard four-cylinder engine delivering 28 mpg on the highway. The two vehicles reached new monthly sales records in May with the Dodge Caliber posting sales of 12,856 units, up 7 percent compared with May 2007 sales of 12,052 units, and the all-new Dodge Journey reaching 7,520 units in only its fourth month of sales.
The fuel-efficient Jeep(R) Patriot posted record monthly sales as it continues to be one of Chrysler's fastest growing models. Jeep Patriot sales of 8,199 units represented an 82 percent increase in May 2008 versus the same period last year.
Customers continue to take advantage of the luxury-value equation of the Chrysler Aspen, which posted sales of 2,037 units, an 18 percent increase from May 2007 sales of 1,724 units. With a base starting price of $33,225, the Aspen, offers an optional Multi-displacement System (MDS) equipped HEMI(R) powertrain that achieves up to 25 percent fuel economy improvement overall and 40 percent improvement in city driving (18 city/20 hwy).
Consumer and dealer feedback has been very positive on Chrysler's lineup of the "New Day" packages. The wide-range of vehicles offering the company's most sought-after features at reduced prices will continue to be available in June.
Despite slow industry sales, the Company finished the month with 412,009 units of inventory, or a 75-day supply. As part of a planned reduction, inventory is down 14 percent compared with May 2007 when it totaled 479,501 units.
Let's Refuel America $2.99 Gas Guarantee
Buyers were most likely to choose the gas guarantee incentive option versus cash back or 0 percent financing when purchasing the Dodge Journey, Dodge Caliber, Chrysler Sebring Sedan, Dodge Avenger and Chrysler Town & Country.
"We are pleased with the consumer response to the Let's Refuel America $2.99 Gas Guarantee program," Press said. "Shoppers really appreciate the opportunity to stabilize their fuel costs and to increase their savings if gas prices continue to rise. The program gives consumers three incentive choices of similar current value to help them address their most pressing needs. With great high mileage product, creative incentive choices, a strong dealer network, and dedicated employees, we are ushering in new confidence for the month of June."
For additional information, refer to www.letsrefuelamerica.com About Chrysler LLC
Chrysler LLC, headquartered in Auburn Hills, Mich., produces Chrysler, Jeep(R), Dodge and Mopar(R) brand vehicles and products. Total sales worldwide in 2007 were 2.68 million vehicles. Sales outside of North America were the highest in a decade with an increase of 15 percent from 2006. The Company's product lineup features some of the world's most recognizable vehicles, including the Chrysler 300, Jeep Wrangler and Dodge Charger.
