Chrysler Group Reports August 2004 Sales Increase 1 Percent
* Retail Sales Up 2 Percent * Chrysler Brand Sets New August Sales Record; Sales Increase 43 Percent Year-Over-Year * Chrysler 300 and Dodge Magnum Receive 5-Star Frontal Crash Test Rating * Dodge Magnum Sales Increase 12 Percent Over July Sales * Stow 'N Go Feature Lifts Minivan Sales 4 Percent; Retail Sales Up 8 Percent * Chrysler Group Passenger Cars Sales Up 25 Percent
AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Sept. 1 -- Carried by a strong retail sales performance, Chrysler Group reported U.S. sales of 178,034 units for August 2004, an increase of 1 percent compared to August 2003 sales of 190,388 units. August results represent the tenth time in 11 months monthly sales have increased year-over-year. Sales are reported on a day rate adjusted basis. For unadjusted figures, please see the chart at the end of this release. August 2004 had two fewer selling days than August 2003.
"This was a tougher month for the industry with two fewer selling days, but the excitement surrounding our nine new vehicle launches this year helped us continue our positive sales momentum," said Gary Dilts, Chrysler Group Senior Vice President - Sales.
The Chrysler brand set a new sales record for August by posting sales of 47,952 units, 43 percent above August 2003 sales of 36,167 units. Consumers nationwide continued their infatuation with the Chrysler 300, powering it to a fourth consecutive month of robust sales with 11,786 units sold. This week the Chrysler 300 was awarded the government's highest 5-star rating for driver and front passenger crash protection.
"Not only is the Chrysler 300 the most talked about vehicle in America right now," said Gary Dilts, Chrysler Group Senior Vice President - Sales, "but it's also one of the safest in America. That's a combination few vehicles can match and why we are so proud of our vehicle development team."
Dodge Magnum continued to muscle its way into America's garages by posting a sales increase of 12 percent to 5,410 units compared to July sales of 5,230 units. Sales for the existing Dakota increased 12 percent to 9,770 units, clearing the way for the all-new Dodge Dakota arriving in dealerships this fall. Dodge brand sales decreased 6 percent to 96,522 units.
Jeep(R) brand sales declined 16 percent as the brand begins clearing the way for the launch of the all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee this fall. Existing Jeep Grand Cherokee sales declined 27 percent, while Jeep Wrangler posted sales of 3 percent lower compared to August 2003 sales. Jeep Liberty sales decreased 8 percent.
"The industry continues to look strong going forward and economic fundamentals are still sound," said Dilts. "There's a lot of product out there, but no one has a better all-new product selection than Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge."
Chrysler Group finished the month with 528,422 units of inventory, or a 74-day supply.
DaimlerChrysler Corporation U.S. Sales Summary Thru August 2004
Month Sales Adjusted Unadjusted
Model Curr Yr Pr Yr
Sebring 8,035 7,107 22% 13%
Concorde 221 1,311 -82% -83%
300 12,001 1,716 655% 599%
Prowler 0 0 0% 0%
Crossfire 1,205 706 84% 71%
PT Cruiser 8,407 6,745 35% 25%
Pacifica 5,747 7,436 -17% -23%
Town & Country 12,336 11,146 20% 11%
CHRYSLER BRAND 47,952 36,167 43% 33%
Wrangler 6,123 6,797 -3% -10%
Liberty 13,874 16,352 -8% -15%
Grand Cherokee 13,563 20,050 -27% -32%
JEEP BRAND 33,560 43,199 -16% -22%
Neon 9,199 9,681 3% -5%
Stratus 4,776 5,578 -8% -14%
Intrepid 321 5,671 -94% -94%
Viper 144 222 -30% -35%
Magnum 5,410 0 0% 0%
Dakota 9,770 9,382 12% 4%
Ram P/U 36,677 43,824 -10% -16%
Caravan 18,832 21,194 -4% -11%
Durango 10,523 12,647 -10% -17%
Ram Van/Wagon 71 2,612 -97% -97%
Sprinter Van 799 211 309% 279%
DODGE BRAND 96,522 111,022 -6% -13%
TOTAL CHRYSLER GROUP 178,034 190,388 1% -6%
TOTAL CG CAR 37,154 31,992 25% 16%
TOTAL CG TRUCK 140,880 158,396 -4% -11%
Selling Days 25 27
Sales CYTD Adjusted Unadjusted
Model Curr Yr Pr Yr
Sebring 76,094 69,762 9% 9%
Concorde 3,772 23,229 -84% -84%
300 65,709 19,007 246% 246%
Prowler 0 511 -100% -100%
Crossfire 10,110 1,593 535% 535%
PT Cruiser 79,858 77,629 3% 3%
Pacifica 51,854 25,763 101% 101%
Town & Country 95,208 103,000 -8% -8%
CHRYSLER BRAND 382,605 320,494 19% 19%
Wrangler 58,155 46,908 24% 24%
Liberty 117,361 108,296 8% 8%
Grand Cherokee 122,363 128,340 -5% -5%
JEEP BRAND 297,879 283,544 5% 5%
Neon 83,222 83,637 0% 0%
Stratus 68,120 71,662 -5% -5%
Intrepid 7,199 63,430 -89% -89%
Viper 1,279 1,631 -22% -22%
Magnum 17,866 0 0% 0%
Dakota 76,651 78,446 -2% -2%
Ram P/U 295,239 302,480 -2% -2%
Caravan 168,483 172,525 -2% -2%
Durango 92,831 78,083 19% 19%
Ram Van/Wagon 5,988 17,369 -66% -66%
Sprinter Van 6,189 731 747% 747%
DODGE BRAND 823,067 869,994 -5% -5%
TOTAL CHRYSLER GROUP 1,503,551 1,474,032 2% 2%
TOTAL CG CAR 327,291 334,462 -2% -2%
TOTAL CG TRUCK 1,176,260 1,139,570 3% 3%
Selling Days 205 205