Chrysler Group Reports Highest Sales Growth in a Decade Outside North America

AUBURN HILLS, Michigan, and STUTTGART, Germany, January 7 --

- 2006 sales increased 15 percent over 2005, the highest year-over-year growth in 10 years

- Total sales of 206,925 units marked second best year in the last decade

- 19 consecutive months of year-over-year sales gains

- December 2006 sales (20,845 units) were up 25 percent compared with last year

- Chrysler, Jeep(R) and Dodge brand sales all improved over last year

Chrysler Group's sales continued to gain momentum outside North America and increased 15 percent over 2005. It was the highest amount of growth in the last 10 years, and the total sale of almost 207,000 vehicles made it the number-two sales year during that same time period.

"It is clear that the road to long-term health for our Company must include an aggressive strategy for international expansion," said Tom LaSorda, Chrysler Group President and CEO. By the end of 2007, Chrysler Group will have doubled the number of vehicles available outside North America when compared with 2003, tripled the number of right-hand-drive offerings and quadrupled the number of models with a diesel option.

Supported by the strategy to offer more vehicles that meet the needs of global customers, each of Chrysler Group's three brands outperformed 2005 sales totals. Chrysler brand sales increased six percent with a total of 90,807 units, while the Jeep brand was up two percent to 85,591 units. The expansion of the Dodge brand in markets outside North America helped raise its year-over-year sales 185 percent and close the year with 30,527 units.

For the month of December, International sales were up 25 percent (20,845 units) compared with the same month in 2005 (16,667 units), and the year finished upholding the trend of monthly year-over-year sales gains, now at 19 consecutive months.

Additionally, for the month of December, all major regions posted sales gains.

Western European sales, which account for more than half of Chrysler Group's global sales, increased 20 percent for the year, and all markets in that region made gains over 2005. Sales in Italy, the top-selling market with 21,260 units sold in 2006, increased 12 percent; while the U.K. sales growth of 40 percent was the most significant of all International markets, and secured it as the number-two selling market outside North America.

Jeep Grand Cherokee was the highest volume vehicle outside North America in 2006 with 39,208 units sold; and much like in the U.S., Chrysler Group minivans contributed to a significant portion of the year's sales (35,716 units), making it the second-best seller. New models were also an important factor in the sales success. After being on the market only seven full months, Dodge Caliber sold 17,722 units and accounted for roughly 9 percent of all Chrysler Group sales outside North America.

"Many of Chrysler Group's new vehicles are beginning to make their way to International markets, "said Thomas Hausch, Executive Director of International Sales and Marketing. "This arrival of the product offensive, along with the investment that the Company and our dealers made to continuously improve facilities, vehicle quality and increase customer satisfaction are drivers of this year's sales accomplishments. And we will keep working on these areas to support our continued profitable growth moving into 2007."

Chrysler Group sells and services vehicles in more than 125 countries around the world, and Chrysler Group sales outside North America currently account for approximately eight percent of the Company's total global sales. Vehicles available range across all three Chrysler Group brands, with limited availability on some trucks and SUV models. The Company's operations outside North America have been experiencing year-over-year sales increases since 2004, and will continue to increase the number of product offerings, powertrain options and RHD availability through 2007.