Chrysler Car and SUV Sales Start 2008 Strong
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Chrysler LLC's total U.S. sales of 137,392 units were down 12 percent and total fleet sales were down 18 percent in January. This was due to a planned reduction of daily rental fleet vehicles that is in line with the Company's strategy. All sales figures are reported as unadjusted.
The Company opened the new year with strong sales performance from the Dodge Avenger, Dodge Viper, Dodge Caliber and Dodge Charger, all contributing to a year-over-year sales increase of 42 percent (28,457 units) for Dodge brand car sales. This is compared with 20,020 units in January 2007.
Chrysler Aspen sales of 2,570 units represented a 20 percent increase in January 2008 versus the same period last year.
Based on strong consumer demand, sales of the redesigned Jeep(R) Liberty mid-size sport-utility vehicle increased 17 percent to 8,331 units in January 2008. Sales in January 2007 were 7,141 units.
"As customers become even more thoughtful about the vehicles they buy, Chrysler is committed to delivering products that meet their needs - and exceed their expectations," Jim Press, Vice Chairman and President, said. "While the government works on an economic stimulus package, we are ready to offer consumers the best value in the American car market, with vehicles that meet the highest safety and quality standards. We are pleased to offer products like the Dodge Journey, Challenger and Ram; and launching soon, the two new SUV hybrids - Chrysler Aspen and Dodge Durango. These products, combined with the best-in-industry Lifetime Powertrain Warranty, will continue to bring more customers to our showrooms."
Chrysler LLC is launching the New Day Celebration campaign in 55 regional markets as part of its Dealer Advertising Association (DAA) local buys around the Super Bowl on Sunday, Feb. 3. The new campaign theme is based on the new Chrysler direction as a company that listens to its customers and is committed to moving fast, and responding to customer and dealer feedback.
"We're moving fast to earn the trust of dealers and customers and prove that we are listening," Deborah Meyer, Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer said. "In the first 60 days after Chrysler became private, we approved 260 line-item improvements to our products. With all of the changes, we have the opportunity to really get back in step with the American public. Our task is to challenge old perceptions and build a new image that is strong and relevant to today's consumers - and prove that it really is a New Day for Chrysler."*
The Company finished the month with 413,874 units of inventory, or a 75-day supply. Inventory is down by 15 percent compared with January 2007 when it was at 488,410 units.
About Chrysler LLC
Chrysler LLC, headquartered in Auburn Hills, Mich., produces Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge and Mopar(R) brand vehicles and products. Total sales worldwide in 2007 were 2.68 million vehicles. Sales outside of North America were the highest in a decade with an increase of 15 percent over 2006. Its product lineup features some of the world's most recognizable vehicles, including the Chrysler 300, the Jeep Wrangler and the Dodge Charger.
Chrysler LLC U.S. Sales Summary Thru January 2008
Month Sales Vol % Sales CYTD Vol %
Model Curr Yr Pr Yr Change Curr Yr Pr Yr Change
Sebring 9,178 6,885 33% 9,178 6,885 33%
300 7,750 8,587 -10% 7,750 8,587 -10%
Crossfire 124 317 -61% 124 317 -61%
PT Cruiser 4,762 8,317 -43% 4,762 8,317 -43%
Aspen 2,570 2,146 20% 2,570 2,146 20%
Pacifica 897 3,857 -77% 897 3,857 -77%
Town & Country 9,091 11,377 -20% 9,091 11,377 -20%
CHRYSLER
BRAND 34,372 41,486 -17% 34,372 41,486 -17%
Compass 2,685 3,965 -32% 2,685 3,965 -32%
Patriot 4,489 175 2465% 4,489 175 2465%
Wrangler 6,137 8,954 -31% 6,137 8,954 -31%
Liberty 8,331 7,141 17% 8,331 7,141 17%
Grand Cherokee 7,828 9,635 -19% 7,828 9,635 -19%
Commander 3,666 5,491 -33% 3,666 5,491 -33%
JEEP BRAND 33,136 35,361 -6% 33,136 35,361 -6%
Caliber 10,885 8,672 26% 10,885 8,672 26%
Avenger 7,185 1,284 460% 7,185 1,284 460%
Charger 7,972 7,440 7% 7,972 7,440 7%
Viper 73 44 66% 73 44 66%
DODGE CAR 28,457 20,020 42% 28,457 20,020 42%
Dakota 2,076 3,816 -46% 2,076 3,816 -46%
Ram P/U 19,902 24,379 -18% 19,902 24,379 -18%
Caravan 8,095 18,593 -56% 8,095 18,593 -56%
Durango 3,833 5,712 -33% 3,833 5,712 -33%
Nitro 6,119 6,191 -1% 6,119 6,191 -1%
Sprinter 1,402 750 87% 1,402 750 87%
DODGE BRAND 69,884 79,461 -12% 69,884 79,461 -12%
TOTAL
CHRYSLER
LLC 137,392 156,308 -12% 137,392 156,308 -12%
TOTAL
CAR 45,763 36,505 25% 45,763 36,505 25%
TOTAL
TRUCK 91,629 119,803 -24% 91,629 119,803 -24%
Selling Days 25 25 25 25