Chrysler Group Reports U.S. July Sales - Down 8%
* Chrysler Pacifica Continues to Gain Momentum While Town & Country Has Record Month * Dodge Ram Posts 15 Percent Year-Over-Year Gain * Jeep(R) Liberty Sets July Volume Record
AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Aug. 1 -- Chrysler Group reported sales of 178,408 units in July, an eight percent decline compared to July 2002, calculated on a day-rate basis.
A number of Chrysler, Jeep(R) and Dodge vehicles posted notable sales results, including the all-new Chrysler Pacifica, Chrysler Town & Country minivan, Dodge Ram pickup, Jeep Liberty and Jeep Wrangler.
The Chrysler Pacifica recorded sales of 6,857 units in July 2003, an increase from June 2003, when 6,642 vehicles were sold. Chrysler Town & Country minivan had the highest July sales volume in its history, with 12,148 units sold. The Chrysler Town & Country and the Dodge Caravan recently reached a milestone of 10 million units sold worldwide since Chrysler introduced the original minivan nearly 20 years ago in 1983.
Dodge Ram sales remain strong. Ram volumes totaled 40,355 units last month, a 15 percent gain over July 2002. Dodge Rams have been setting a blistering pace not only in Dodge dealer showrooms, but also in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, where they've won eight of 13 events and lead the series' manufacturers championship standings in 2003.
"We start the second half of the year with some encouraging results," said Gary Dilts, Senior Vice President - Sales, DaimlerChrysler Corp. "Despite a less-than-robust economy, consumers remain resilient, our dealers are working harder than ever, and the Summer Sales Drive is cutting through the advertising clutter and getting shoppers into Chrysler Group showrooms.
"The market is definitely challenging," Dilts added. "There's no silver bullet. Consumers are looking for value across all segments, and meeting that requirement takes a combination of elements. We have that at the Chrysler Group, including great product, our 7/70 fully transferable powertrain warranty, competitive incentives and a bigger share of voice, thanks to our national ad campaign."
Jeep Wrangler achieved a 14 percent sales gain over the same period a year ago with 6,840 units sold. Jeep Liberty posted sales of 13,839 units, a July volume record. Limited Edition Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Tomb Raider models began arriving at dealerships in July, coinciding with the theatrical release of "Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life." The movie features a customized Jeep Wrangler Rubicon and stars Angelina Jolie as Lara Croft.
The marketing launch of the all-new Chrysler Crossfire began July 7, and the low-volume sports coupe is already making a splash with 612 units sold nationwide.
"With the all-new Chrysler Crossfire coupe joining the Pacifica in Chrysler dealer showrooms, we are steadily moving the brand in a more premium position among volume manufacturers over the longer term," added Dilts. "It all starts with product, and with nine new models set to be introduced next year, we feel we are well positioned across all of our brands."
Chrysler Group finished the month with 472,850 units of inventory, a 69- day supply.
DaimlerChrysler Corporation U.S. Sales Summary Thru July 2003
Month Sales DR % Sales CYTD DR %
Model Curr Yr Pr Yr Change Curr Yr Pr Yr Change
Sebring 6,551 10,073 -37% 62,655 76,151 -18%
Concorde 1,601 2,188 -30% 21,918 19,814 11%
300M 1,787 2,852 -40% 17,291 19,563 -12%
LHS 0 0 0% 0 552 -100%
Prowler 0 106 -100% 511 1,035 -51%
Crossfire 612 0 887 0
CHRYSLER CAR 10,551 15,219 -33% 103,262 117,115 -12%
PT Cruiser 8,870 11,735 -27% 70,884 87,395 -19%
Pacifica 6,857 0 0% 18,327 0 0%
Voyager 1,250 3,410 -65% 11,510 26,682 -57%
Town & Country 12,148 10,891 7% 80,344 81,380 -1%
CHRYSLER TRUCK 29,125 26,036 8% 181,065 195,457 -7%
CHRYSLER BRAND 39,676 41,255 -8% 284,327 312,572 -9%
Wrangler 6,840 5,782 14% 40,111 37,690 6%
Liberty 13,839 13,586 -2% 91,944 87,228 5%
Grand Cherokee 18,562 20,167 -11% 108,290 123,465 -12%
JEEP BRAND 39,241 39,535 -5% 240,345 248,383 -3%
CP CAR 10,551 15,219 -33% 103,262 117,720 -12%
CPJ TRUCK 68,366 65,571 0% 421,410 443,840 -5%
CPJ DIVISION 78,917 80,790 -6% 524,672 561,560 -7%
Neon 8,029 9,149 -16% 73,956 77,245 -4%
Stratus 5,908 9,357 -39% 66,084 67,005 -1%
Intrepid 5,643 8,141 -33% 57,759 77,640 -26%
Viper 164 142 11% 1,409 974 45%
DODGE CAR 19,744 26,789 -29% 199,208 222,864 -11%
Dakota 9,539 12,388 -26% 69,064 80,251 -14%
Ram P/U 40,355 33,616 15% 258,656 228,955 13%
Caravan 17,920 19,565 -12% 151,331 163,703 -8%
Durango 9,588 9,718 -5% 65,436 64,097 2%
Ram Wagon 0 865 -100% 0 10,024 -100%
Ram Van 2,123 1,871 9% 14,757 16,153 -9%
Sprinter Van 222 0 0% 520 0 0%
DODGE TRUCK 79,747 78,023 -2% 559,764 563,183 -1%
DODGE DIVISION 99,491 104,812 -9% 758,972 786,047 -3%
TOTAL CAR 30,295 42,008 -31% 302,470 340,584 -11%
TOTAL TRUCK 148,113 143,594 -1% 981,174 1,007,023 -3%
TOTAL CAR & TRUCK 178,408 185,602 -8% 1,283,644 1,347,607 -5%
Total Minivan 31,318 33,866 -11% 243,185 271,765 -11%
Total Sport Utility 48,829 49,253 -5% 305,781 312,480 -2%
Selling Days 26 25 178 178