Chrysler International Sales Down Five Percent in March
3 April 1998
Chrysler International Sales Down Five Percent in March
AUBURN HILLS, Mich., April 3 -- Chrysler International
reported that March sales of vehicles sold outside of North America totaled
19,529 units, a five percent decrease over March 1997 sales of 20,509 units.
Chrysler Europe reported a strong month, with sales totaling 9,838
vehicles for a 12 percent increase over the same period a year ago. This
total is a record for March sales and the third best month ever for Europe.
Spain led the region with 1,905 vehicles sold during the month, an increase of
36 percent over the same period last year. The best selling vehicle in Europe
continues to be the Chrysler Voyager minivan, with sales totaling 4,437 units
in both left- and right-hand drive versions.
"We are pleased with what's happening in Europe," said Theodor R.
Cunningham, Executive Vice President - International. "Sales have been
steadily increasing. The Voyager minivan is proving to be a hit with
European consumers and our Jeep(R) vehicles continue their long-established
popularity, evidenced by a combined sales increase of 23 percent for the
first quarter."
Latin America is Chrysler's second largest region for the month,
with 4,946 units reported and remains the Company's fastest growing region
with a year-to-year increase of 65 percent. Venezuela continues to be the
number one international market with total March sales of 2,559 vehicles and
the fastest growing market, expanding by 154 percent for the month of March.
Chrysler's Middle East/Africa region posted 1,247 units for the month,
22 percent down from March of last year. This decline is due primarily to the
low availability of large passenger cars.
Chrysler's Asia-Pacific March sales totaled 3,498 units, a 51 percent
decrease. Because of severe economic difficulties in the Far East, Chrysler
International's sales results for the first quarter (50,843) were down nine
percent from a year ago (55,607).
SOURCE Chrysler Corporation