DaimlerChrysler Canada reports record December truck sales

WINDSOR, ON, Jan. 3 /CNW/ - DaimlerChrysler Canada today reported December sales of a record 18,049 trucks -- an increase of 34.4 per cent over the 13,426 trucks sold in the same month one year earlier. The company's retailers across Canada sold 24,420 Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep(R) vehicles in December -- an increase of 26.9 per cent over the 19,239 vehicles sold in December 2000.

"Calendar year 2001 ended on a real high note for DaimlerChrysler Canada as our strong sales momentum continued through December", Pat Dougherty, Vice President - Sales and Service, said. "Dodge Caravan was the top-selling vehicle in Canada for the second consecutive year. December sales of a record 8,239 Dodge Caravans were 60.3 per cent higher than the 5,139 sold in the same month last year while Dodge Dakota also set a record for the month. In addition to record December truck sales, DaimlerChrysler's passenger car sales for the month were up 9.6 per cent and included record deliveries of the Chrysler Sebring sedan and convertible.

Paced by our all-new 2002 Dodge Ram 1500, December sales of our full- sized pickups increased 42.1 per cent, while the all-new Jeep Liberty and the Chrysler PT Cruiser also continued to deliver strong month-to-month sales performance," Mr. Dougherty said.

Calendar year 2001 deliveries of 46,314 sport utility vehicles set a record.

	                         DaimlerChrysler Canada Inc.

	                          Monthly Retail Deliveries

	                               December, 2001

	    <<
	                             Current Year       Prior Year     Difference

	    Passenger Cars
	    --------------
	    Month                           6,371            5,813          9.6 %

	    Calendar Year                  68,140           80,853         -15.7%

	    Trucks
	    ------

	    Month                          18,049           13,426          34.4%

	    Calendar Year                 177,412          187,935          -5.6%

	    Cars & Trucks
	    -------------
	    Month                          24,420           19,239          26.9%

	    Calendar Year                 245,552          268,788          -8.6%
	    >>