Chrysler Group Reports U.S. March Sales
AUBURN HILLS, Mich., April 1, 2003; Chrysler Group reported sales of 201,941 units in March 2003, a three percent decline compared with March 2002, calculated on a day-rate basis."Despite the economic effects of the military conflict in the Middle East, we're still seeing car and truck shoppers in Chrysler, Jeep® and Dodge dealerships," said Gary Dilts, Chrysler Group Senior Vice President - Sales. "The Chrysler Group held its own in March because we're cutting through the clutter and reaching consumers."
"We plan to continue our 'Best Values in America' message in April because it provides a point of clarity for consumers," added Dilts. "The campaign combines our product, our warranty and incentive messages into one package that clearly offers the best car and truck values in the U.S. automotive market today."
Many of the Chrysler Group's volume models posted year-over-year gains.
Chrysler Group's top seller for the month was the Dodge Ram pickup truck. Dodge sold 38,931 units of the Ram in March, an increase of 14 percent compared to March 2002 when 35,457 vehicles were sold. Chrysler Group reported Dodge Dakota pickup truck sales of 11,620 units, up two percent over last year, which helped drive total Dodge truck sales up six percent compared to March 2002.
Chrysler Group minivan sales of 45,165 units were up five percent over last year. Dodge sold 29,671 Caravans, up 12 percent compared to March 2002, and Chrysler sold 13,307 Town & Country minivans, up nine percent over last year.
Jeep Liberty posted sales of 14,760 units, an increase of 22 percent compared to last year when there were 12,594 units sold. Also making sales gains was the Jeep Wrangler, with sales of 5,497 units, an increase of eight percent compared to year-earlier levels. Total Jeep brand sales were up four percent compared to March 2002.
The all-new Chrysler Pacifica reached showrooms in late March. Dilts commented that all indications are that this innovative new vehicle is off to a fast start in the market.
"Early reaction from dealers and consumers is that Pacifica will clearly be the vehicle of choice in its segment," added Dilts.
Regarding the industry as a whole, Dilts said the general economic environment is still favorable for new vehicle sales.
"Industry analysts tell us the affordability index for new vehicles is the best it's been in the past 25 years," he noted. "We have been translating that in very clear terms for consumers by positioning our products along with a seven-year, 70,000-mile fully transferable powertrain warranty, and very competitive incentives that together equal the 'Best Values in America'."
Chrysler Group finished the month with 535,786 units of inventory, or a 69-day supply that is in-line with industry standards.
DaimlerChrysler Corporation U.S. Sales Summary Thru March 2003
Month Sales DR % Sales CYTD DR %
Model Curr Yr Pr Yr Change Curr Yr Pr Yr Change
Sebring 10,525 13,302 -18% 24,940 32,828 -23%
Concorde 2,718 2,683 5% 10,186 8,270 25%
300M 2,452 2,930 -13% 8,020 7,601 7%
LHS 0 88 -100% 0 309 -100%
Prowler 200 200 4% 257 535 0%
CHRYSLER CAR 15,895 19,203 -14% 43,403 49,543 -11%
PT Cruiser 11,054 14,015 -18% 30,754 35,671 -13%
Pacifica 551 0 0% 551 0 0%
Voyager 2,187 4,528 -50% 5,104 10,751 -52%
Town & Country 13,307 12,703 9% 29,665 31,806 -5%
CHRYSLER TRUCK 27,099 31,246 -10% 66,074 78,228 -14%
CHRYSLER BRAND 42,994 50,449 -11% 109,477 127,771 -13%
Wrangler 5,497 5,263 8% 13,227 12,387 8%
Liberty 14,760 12,594 22% 37,205 34,880 8%
Grand Cherokee 17,965 20,175 -8% 42,521 51,307 -16%
JEEP BRAND 38,222 38,032 4% 92,953 98,574 -4%
CP CAR 15,895 19,367 -15% 43,403 49,923 -12%
CPJ TRUCK 65,321 69,278 -2% 159,027 176,802 -9%
CPJ DIVISION 81,216 88,645 -5% 202,430 226,725 -10%
Neon 11,324 11,795 0% 32,156 31,588 3%
Stratus 10,060 12,378 -16% 25,219 29,501 -13%
Intrepid 7,448 14,372 -46% 21,666 30,575 -28%
Viper 143 158 -6% 589 369 62%
DODGE CAR 28,975 38,703 -22% 79,630 92,033 -12%
Dakota 11,620 11,825 2% 27,980 29,882 -5%
Ram P/U 38,931 35,457 14% 97,474 93,729 5%
Caravan 29,671 27,427 12% 63,951 61,768 5%
Durango 9,586 10,865 -8% 25,088 27,154 -6%
Ram Wagon 0 1,597 -100% 0 3,949 -100%
Ram Van 1,942 2,639 -24% 5,224 6,959 -24%
DODGE TRUCK 91,750 89,810 6% 219,717 223,441 0%
DODGE DIVISION 120,725 128,513 -2% 299,347 315,474 -4%
TOTAL CAR 44,870 58,070 -20% 123,033 141,956 -12%
TOTAL TRUCK 157,071 159,088 3% 378,744 400,243 -4%
TOTAL CAR & TRUCK 201,941 217,158 -3% 501,777 542,199 -6%
Total Minivan 45,165 44,658 5% 98,720 104,325 -4%
Total Sport Utility 47,808 48,897 2% 118,041 125,728 -5%
Selling Days 26 27 75 76