Chrysler Group June 2004 Sales Increase 1 Percent, Second Quarter Sales Increase 2 Percent
* June 2004 Sales Exceed 2003 Sales by 10,290, all retail * Monthly Sales Increase Eight of Past Nine Months * Chrysler Group Achieves Third Consecutive Quarter of Increased Year- Over-Year Sales * 2004 Year-to-Date Sales Surpass 2003 Year-to-Date Sales by 2 Percent * Chrysler 300 Sales Continue to Rise; Sales Surpass 12,000 Units for June * Industry-Leading Dodge Caravan With Stow 'N Go Seating Continues Segment Leadership; Sales Rise 7 Percent
AUBURN HILLS, Mich., July 1 -- Led by consistent monthly, quarterly and year-to-date retail sales results, Chrysler Group reported sales of 209,252 units, an increase of 1 percent over June 2003 sales of 198,962 units. Eight of the past nine months have resulted in sales increases for the Chrysler Group. Quarterly sales for Chrysler Group increased 2 percent to 618,394 units, achieving three consecutive quarters of year-over-year sales growth. Sales are calculated on a day-rate adjusted basis.
"The consistent results this quarter and our rise in monthly retail sales showcase the appeal of our segment leading products," said Gary Dilts, Chrysler Group Senior Vice President - Sales. "These products have established themselves in the market and are the foundation for our improved year-to-date sales."
Chrysler brand posted a new quarterly sales record with 163,138 units, a 21 percent increase over second quarter totals from 2003. For the month, Chrysler brand sales increased 9 percent to 54,314 units. Quickly establishing itself as a leader in its segment, the award-winning Chrysler 300 continued its strong sales momentum, posting sales of 12,065 units for June 2004 and achieving a second consecutive month of sales in excess of 12,000 units.
"The Chrysler 300 has reignited America's passion for cars," said Dilts. "The award of 'Best Sedan' by the readers of Autoweek magazine for the Chrysler 300C confirms what we already knew -- that this is a great car."
Jeep(R) brand sales were 113,901 units for the quarter, an increase of 5 percent over 2003 second quarter sales. Jeep brand sales for the month decreased 5 percent to 33,459 units. Jeep Liberty posted record monthly sales of 13,579 units during June, an increase of 7 percent.
For the quarter, 341,355 Dodge brand vehicles were sold, decreasing 5 percent. For the month, Dodge brand sales declined 1 percent. The industry leading Dodge Caravan with Stow N' Go seating posted sales of 74,415 units during the second quarter, an increase of 7 percent over second quarter 2003. For the month, Dodge Caravan sales increased 7 percent to 25,652 units.
"Our retail sales increase for the Dodge brand is driven by Caravan, Durango and now, Magnum sales," said Dilts.
The new shape of American muscle, Dodge Magnum, is arriving at dealerships daily with the legendary Hemi(R) V-8 engine and rear-wheel drive. Anticipation for the arrival of the Magnum is high, with dealer orders for the vehicle exceeding 38,000 units.
"The major economic indicators are hitting all cylinders now," said Dilts. "The economy is gaining momentum, consumer confidence is at its highest levels since June 2002, while the employment picture looks solid. Plus, we've got the right products at the right time."
Chrysler Group finished the month with 605,600 units of inventory, a 72 day supply.
Note: For those who report sales figures on an unadjusted basis, Chrysler Group monthly sales increased 5 percent to 209,252 units. Second quarter sales increased 2 percent to 618,394 units.
DaimlerChrysler Corporation U.S. Sales Summary Thru June 2004 Month Sales DR % Sales CYTD DR % Model Curr Yr Pr Yr Change Curr Yr Pr Yr Change Sebring 12,482 10,229 17% 61,130 56,104 8% Concorde 313 3,228 -91% 3,217 20,317 -84% 300 12,446 2,102 468% 40,793 15,504 161% Prowler 0 103 -100% 0 511 -100% Crossfire 1,439 0 0% 7,636 275 2659% PT Cruiser 8,991 10,711 -19% 62,623 62,014 0% Pacifica 5,888 6,642 -15% 39,885 11,470 245% Town & Country 12,755 14,544 -16% 71,314 78,456 -10% CHRYSLER BRAND 54,314 47,834 9% 286,598 244,651 16% Wrangler 6,963 6,599 1% 44,709 33,271 33% Liberty 13,579 12,147 7% 86,319 78,105 10% Grand Cherokee 12,917 15,099 -18% 95,118 89,728 5% JEEP BRAND 33,459 33,845 -5% 226,146 201,104 12% Neon 9,774 9,900 -5% 64,098 65,927 -3% Stratus 12,711 11,653 5% 58,748 60,176 -3% Intrepid 477 9,528 -95% 6,434 52,116 -88% Viper 205 201 -2% 984 1,245 -21% Magnum 4,906 0 0% 7,226 0 0% Dakota 10,127 9,926 -2% 55,690 59,525 -7% Ram P/U 39,605 41,115 -8% 218,369 218,301 -1% Caravan 25,652 22,925 7% 131,367 133,411 -2% Durango 15,885 9,669 58% 70,304 55,848 25% Ram Van/Wagon 1,069 2,272 -55% 5,240 12,634 -59% Sprinter Van 1,068 94 991% 4,694 298 1465% DODGE BRAND 121,479 117,283 -1% 623,154 659,481 -6% TOTAL CHRYSLER GROUP 209,252 198,962 1% 1,135,898 1,105,236 2% TOTAL CG CAR 51,894 47,219 6% 251,775 272,175 -8% TOTAL CG TRUCK 157,358 151,743 0% 884,123 833,061 5% Selling Days 25 24 153 152