Chrysler Group Reports April 2004 Sales Increased 1 Percent
-- Chrysler Brand Sales Increase 28 Percent Year-Over-Year -- Jeep(R) Wrangler Has Best April Ever; Sales Surge 53 Percent -- New Chrysler 300 Sedan Triples Sales of Its Predecessor in First Full Month of Availability -- Premiere Night Event Generates Huge Traffic and Excitement for Chrysler 300, PT Cruiser Convertible, Minivans
AUBURN HILLS, Mich., May 3 -- Continuing the trend established with positive fourth quarter results for 2003 and first quarter 2004, Chrysler Group reported sales of 189,011 units for April 2004, an increase of 1 percent compared to April 2003 when 187,086 units were sold. Sales are calculated on a day-rate basis.
"Timing is everything," said Gary Dilts, Chrysler Group Senior Vice President - Sales. "Our new product blitz is well timed with the economy that is showing continued improvement. Inflation remains at an historic low, the unemployment situation continues to improve and consumer's ability to buy remains positive. The time is right to purchase a new vehicle."
The Chrysler brand posted strong sales in April of 51,491 units, a 28 percent increase over April 2003 when 40,323 units were sold. The Chrysler 300 sedan posted sales of 9,543 units during its first full month of availability, and continues to generate excitement among customers as units continue to arrive at dealerships.
Chrysler PT Cruiser sales of 10,422 units increased 4 percent over April 2003 when 9,986 units were sold. Chrysler Crossfire posted sales of 1,522 units, an increase of 3 percent over the previous month's sales of 1,484 units.
Jeep(R) brand sales continue their strong ascent by posting an 11 percent improvement to 38,677 units compared to April 2003 when 34,922 units were sold. The Jeep Wrangler posted sales of 9,001 units, a 53 percent increase over the 5,888 units sold in April 2003. Jeep Liberty achieved a sales increase of 12 percent, posting sales of 14,375 units. April 2003 sales for the Jeep Liberty were 12,845 units.
Dodge Durango posted sales of 9,104 units, a 7 percent increase over April 2003 when 8,503 units were sold. Dodge Ram posted sales of 33,284 units, down 7 percent versus April 2003 sales of 35,638 units. Overall, Dodge brand sales of 98,843 units were down 12 percent.
"The launch of our Premiere Night event drove over 100,000 customers into our showrooms and helped April sales," said Dilts. "Customers' enthusiasm for the Chrysler 300 sedan, PT Cruiser Convertible and minivans with Stow n' Go functionality is clear and our dealers are seeing strong consumer interest."
This month, Chrysler Group announces the availability of SIRIUS Satellite Radio as a factory-installed option in the 2005 Chrysler 300, including the Touring, Limited and 300 C vehicles for $195 MSRP. This price for SIRIUS satellite radio includes a one-year subscription and provides access to over 100 channels of music, news, sports and entertainment.
"The availability of SIRIUS Satellite Radio in our 2005 product lineup is a great benefit," said Dilts. "Priced at $195 MSRP, it offers the value that is consistent with our desire to provide maximum benefit with a price that unlocks the value of the vehicle."
Chrysler Group finished the month with 605,055 units of inventory, an 83-day supply.
DaimlerChrysler Corporation U.S. Sales Summary Thru April 2004
Month Sales DR % Sales CYTD DR %
Model Curr Yr Pr Yr Change Curr Yr Pr Yr Change
Sebring 9,862 10,395 -5% 37,840 35,335 6%
Concorde 428 2,401 -82% 2,516 12,587 -80%
300 9,543 2,473 286% 14,653 10,493 38%
Prowler 0 130 -100% 0 387 -100%
Crossfire 1,522 0 4,528 0
PT Cruiser 10,422 9,986 4% 43,183 40,740 6%
Pacifica 5,896 1,806 N/A 27,364 2,357 N/A
Town & Country 13,818 13,132 5% 44,867 47,901 -7%
CHRYSLER BRAND 51,491 40,323 28% 174,951 149,800 16%
Wrangler 9,001 5,888 53% 29,396 19,115 52%
Liberty 14,375 12,845 12% 57,326 50,050 13%
Grand Cherokee 15,301 16,189 -5% 64,200 58,710 8%
JEEP BRAND 38,677 34,922 11% 150,922 127,875 17%
Neon 10,537 10,507 0% 43,438 42,663 1%
Stratus 10,691 11,928 -10% 35,972 37,147 -4%
Intrepid 836 9,980 -92% 5,331 31,646 -83%
Viper 166 181 -8% 593 770 -24%
Dakota 9,814 10,202 -4% 34,544 38,182 -10%
Ram P/U 33,284 35,638 -7% 136,129 133,112 1%
Caravan 23,068 22,663 2% 80,020 86,614 -9%
Durango 9,104 8,503 7% 38,602 33,591 14%
Ram Van/Wagon 375 2,151 -83% 3,351 7,375 -55%
Sprinter Van 968 88 2,662 88
DODGE BRAND 98,843 111,841 -12% 380,642 411,188 -8%
TOTAL CHRYSLER GROUP 189,011 187,086 1% 706,515 688,863 2%
TOTAL CG CAR 45,712 47,995 -5% 149,469 171,028 -13%
TOTAL CG TRUCK 143,299 139,091 3% 557,046 517,835 7%
Selling Days 26 26 102 101
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