Chrysler Group Reports U.S. April 2003 Sales Down 10%
* All-New Chrysler Pacifica Sales Exceed 1,800 Units; More Than 27,000 Dealer Orders Received * Chrysler Pacifica Receives Five-Star Crash Ratings From the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
AUBURN HILLS, Mich., May 1 -- Chrysler Group reported sales of 187,086 units in April 2003, a 10 percent decline compared with April 2002, calculated on a day-rate basis.
"April was a tough month for the automotive industry," said Gary Dilts, Chrysler Group Senior Vice President - Sales. "Although the market was soft in April, looking forward, we see positive indicators. The affordability index is the best it's been in the past 25 years and interest rates remain at near all-time lows. With combat in Iraq reaching its conclusion and consumer confidence on the rise, we believe consumers will take advantage of the unprecedented values in the market," said Dilts. "The time to buy has never been better."
The all-new Chrysler Pacifica posted sales of 1,806 units in April, and there are more than 27,000 dealer orders in the system. "Pacifica has been very well received by customers, dealers and the media," added Dilts.
This month, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) will announce that the Chrysler Pacifica received five-stars -- the highest rating a vehicle can earn -- for all frontal and side impact crash tests. Pacifica is equipped with one of the world's first three-row side curtain air bags, inflatable knee blocker air bag and an advanced energy-absorbing steering column designed within a rigid body structure. "Pacifica was developed with thorough attention to safety and quality and the five-star ratings are yet another example of the many attributes that draw customers to this unique vehicle," said Dilts.
Chrysler Group's top seller for the month was the Dodge Ram pickup truck. Dodge sold 35,638 units of the Ram in April, a one-percent increase compared to April 2002.
Looking ahead, the all-new 2004 Chrysler Crossfire is the next vehicle coming from the Chrysler brand. This sports coupe combines stunning American design with proven German engineering. In April, the company announced Chrysler Crossfire pricing starting at $34,495, including destination charges. Chrysler Crossfire will be arriving at dealerships this summer.
"We plan to continue our 'Best Values in America' message in May because it provides a point of clarity for consumers," added Dilts. "The campaign combines our product with a seven-year, 70,000-mile fully transferable powertrain warranty, and very competitive incentives. We feel this equation offers the best car and truck values in the U.S. automotive market today."
Chrysler Group finished the month with 511,518 units of inventory, or a 71-day supply, that is in-line with industry standards.
DaimlerChrysler Corporation U.S. Sales Summary Thru April 2003
Month Sales DR % Sales CYTD DR %
Model Curr Yr Pr Yr Change Curr Yr Pr Yr Change
Sebring 10,395 10,661 -6% 35,335 43,489 -19%
Concorde 2,401 3,232 -29% 12,587 11,502 9%
300M 2,473 2,982 -20% 10,493 10,583 -1%
LHS 0 51 -100% 0 360 -100%
Prowler 130 136 -8% 387 671 -42%
CHRYSLER CAR 15,399 17,062 -13% 58,802 66,605 -12%
PT Cruiser 9,986 13,128 -27% 40,740 48,799 -17%
Pacifica 1,806 0 0% 2,357 0 0%
Voyager 1,554 3,475 -57% 6,658 14,226 -53%
Town & Country 11,578 11,265 -1% 41,243 43,071 -4%
CHRYSLER TRUCK 24,924 27,868 -14% 90,998 106,096 -14%
CHRYSLER BRAND 40,323 44,930 -14% 149,800 172,701 -13%
Wrangler 5,888 6,108 -7% 19,115 18,495 3%
Liberty 12,845 12,437 -1% 50,050 47,317 6%
Grand Cherokee 16,189 19,142 -19% 58,710 70,449 -17%
JEEP BRAND 34,922 37,687 -11% 127,875 136,261 -6%
CP CAR 15,399 17,085 -13% 58,802 67,008 -12%
CPJ TRUCK 59,846 65,555 -12% 218,873 242,357 -10%
CPJ DIVISION 75,245 82,640 -12% 277,675 309,365 -10%
Neon 10,507 11,490 -12% 42,663 43,078 -1%
Stratus 11,928 10,002 15% 37,147 39,503 -6%
Intrepid 9,980 12,726 -25% 31,646 43,301 -27%
Viper 181 161 8% 770 530 45%
DODGE CAR 32,596 34,379 -9% 112,226 126,412 -11%
Dakota 10,202 12,229 -20% 38,182 42,111 -9%
Ram P/U 35,638 33,900 1% 133,112 127,629 4%
Caravan 22,663 24,336 -10% 86,614 86,104 1%
Durango 8,503 8,893 -8% 33,591 36,047 -7%
Ram Wagon 0 1,562 -100% 0 5,511 -100%
Ram Van 2,151 2,482 -17% 7,375 9,441 -22%
Sprinter Van 88 0 0% 88 0 0%
DODGE TRUCK 79,245 83,402 -9% 298,962 306,843 -3%
DODGE DIVISION 111,841 117,781 -9% 411,188 433,255 -5%
TOTAL CAR 47,995 51,464 -10% 171,028 193,420 -12%
TOTAL TRUCK 139,091 148,957 -10% 517,835 549,200 -6%
TOTAL CAR & TRUCK 187,086 200,421 -10% 688,863 742,620 -7%
Total Minivan 35,795 39,076 -12% 134,515 143,401 -6%
Total Sport Utility 43,425 46,580 -10% 161,466 172,308 -6%
Selling Days 26 25 101 101
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