Chrysler Group Reports U.S. October Sales Increase of 11 Percent
* Dodge Ram continues strong sales momentum * Chrysler Pacifica sales rise for seventh consecutive month * All three Chrysler Group vehicle brands show sales increases * All-new 2004 Dodge Durango on sale November 15; over 38,000 advance dealer orders
AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Nov. 3 -- Chrysler Group reported sales of 166,262 units for October 2003. This represents an 11 percent increase from October 2002 when 150,254 units were sold.
Dodge Ram had its second-best October ever, with sales of 41,162 units, an increase of 46 percent over October 2002, when 28,218 units were sold. (The all-time October record for Ram is 42,813 units, set in 1998.) There were 27 selling days for both October 2003 and October 2002.
"Despite competitors' new and refreshed truck entries, Dodge Ram continues to perform exceptionally well in the marketplace. You don't accomplish a gain of 46 percent without superior product," said Gary Dilts, DaimlerChrysler Corp. Senior Vice President - Sales.
The Chrysler Pacifica sold 7,703 units in October, up from the 7,589 units sold in September 2003. October represented the seventh consecutive month of increased sales for the Chrysler Pacifica since its launch in March.
"Chrysler Pacifica sales are good and getting better for one simple reason: it's a great vehicle," said Dilts. "More customers are coming in to drive it. Once they do, they want to own it."
Jeep(R) Wrangler sales were up 60 percent, totaling 6,485 units last month compared to October 2002 sales of 4,052 units.
All three Chrysler Group vehicle brands recorded year-over-year sales increases. Chrysler brand sold 34,810 units last month, an increase of 16 percent over October 2002 when 30,058 units were sold. The Dodge brand experienced an increase of 9 percent for the period, selling 91,184 units, compared to 83,726 units in October 2002. Jeep brand saw its sales increase 10 percent, with 40,268 units sold. Jeep sold 36,470 units in October 2002.
"Our wide range of great products, competitive incentives and our industry-leading seven-year, 70,000-mile warranty add up to the Best Values in America," said Dilts. "Plus, our dealers have executed smart, effective marketing plans that are bringing growing numbers of customers into our showrooms."
Other sales highlights for October include:
* Chrysler Sebring Sedan sales improved 21 percent, selling 4,292 units in October 2003, compared to 3,557 units in October 2002.
* Jeep Grand Cherokee sales were up 8 percent, selling 18,968 units compared to October 2002, when 17,626 units were sold.
* Chrysler Group finished the month with 536,169 units of inventory, or a 87-day supply.
DaimlerChrysler Corporation U.S. Sales Summary Thru October 2003
Month Sales DR % Sales CYTD DR %
Model Curr Yr Pr Yr Change Curr Yr Pr Yr Change
Sebring 7,001 6,296 11% 83,062 101,518 -18%
Concorde 1,593 1,957 -19% 26,150 26,838 -3%
300M 1,570 2,480 -37% 22,056 27,906 -21%
LHS 0 0 0% 0 552 -100%
Prowler 0 58 -100% 511 1,250 -59%
Crossfire 587 0 2,758 0
CHRYSLER CAR 10,751 10,791 0% 134,537 158,064 -15%
PT Cruiser 6,511 9,537 -32% 90,445 121,391 -25%
Pacifica 7,703 0 0% 41,055 0 0%
Voyager 1,979 1,958 1% 15,831 33,629 -53%
Town & Country 7,866 7,772 1% 105,199 107,609 -2%
CHRYSLER TRUCK 24,059 19,267 25% 252,530 262,629 -4%
CHRYSLER BRAND 34,810 30,058 16% 387,067 420,693 -8%
Wrangler 6,485 4,052 60% 58,163 54,984 6%
Liberty 14,815 14,792 0% 133,364 139,314 -4%
Grand Cherokee 18,968 17,626 8% 163,718 178,801 -8%
JEEP BRAND 40,268 36,470 10% 355,245 373,099 -5%
CP CAR 10,751 10,791 0% 134,537 158,669 -15%
CPJ TRUCK 64,327 55,737 15% 607,775 635,728 -4%
CPJ DIVISION 75,078 66,528 13% 742,312 794,397 -7%
Neon 8,921 9,173 -3% 103,132 109,388 -6%
Stratus 7,203 7,221 0% 85,982 93,938 -8%
Intrepid 2,315 5,568 -58% 70,872 96,533 -27%
Viper 127 54 135% 1,868 1,389 34%
DODGE CAR 18,566 22,016 -16% 261,854 301,248 -13%
Dakota 9,542 8,043 19% 96,273 114,086 -16%
Ram P/U 41,162 28,218 46% 375,311 331,537 13%
Caravan 15,399 15,155 2% 200,446 207,787 -4%
Durango 5,271 8,218 -36% 90,579 91,875 -1%
Ram Van/Wagon 923 2,076 -56% 19,306 33,183 -42%
Sprinter Van 321 0 0% 1,327 0 0%
DODGE TRUCK 72,618 61,710 18% 783,242 778,468 1%
DODGE DIVISION 91,184 83,726 9% 1,045,096 1,079,716 -3%
TOTAL CAR 29,317 32,807 -11% 396,391 459,917 -14%
TOTAL TRUCK 136,945 117,447 17% 1,391,017 1,414,196 -2%
TOTAL CAR & TRUCK 166,262 150,254 11% 1,787,408 1,874,113 -5%
Total Minivan 25,244 24,885 1% 321,476 349,025 -8%
Total Sport Utility 45,539 44,688 2% 445,824 464,974 -4%
Selling Days 27 27 256 256
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