Chrysler Group Sells Out of Many Chrysler, Jeep® and Dodge Vehicles In August

Date: 09.01.09
PRESS RELEASE:

Chrysler Group LLC reports August U.S. Sales Increases

  • Chrysler Group LLC U.S. sales up 5 percent compared with previous month despite low inventory levels on several vehicles
  • Seventeen out of 26 nameplates post year-over-year and/or month-over-month retail sales increases, including five out of six Jeep® nameplates
  • Jeep Grand Cherokee sales up 62 percent versus previous year
  • Dodge Grand Caravan sales increase 13 percent compared with August 2008
  • Chrysler 300 sales increase 17 percent compared with August 2008
  • Chrysler PT Cruiser retail sales increase for second consecutive month, up 100 percent compared with August 2008
  • Mopar® parts and accessories sales increased 5 percent compared with July

Auburn Hills, Mich. , Sep 1, 2009 -

Chrysler Group LLC today reported a 5 percent sales increase compared with July 2009 despite low inventory levels on a number of popular nameplates. Dealership traffic continued at a high level during the month of August, in part due to the U.S. government’s Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS), more commonly known as “cash for clunkers.”

“Chrysler Group had another strong sales month in August with the majority of Chrysler Group nameplates posting year-over-year or month-over-month sales improvements,” said Peter Fong, President and Chief Executive Officer-Chrysler Brand and Lead Executive for the Sales Organization, Chrysler Group LLC. “The CARS program gave a boost to the industry in August, and as a result, we’ve increased production by more than 50,000 units, our factories are full-steam ahead building Chrysler, Jeep® and Dodge vehicles for customers and replenishing dealer inventories.”

Chrysler Group reported total U.S. sales for August of 93,222 units, an increase of 5 percent compared with July and a decrease of 15 percent compared with the same time period in 2008. Retail sales for August were 68,958 units. The company finished the month with 100,238 units in inventory, representing a 28-day supply. Inventory is down 74 percent versus August 2008 when it totaled 380,560 units. Overall industry figures for August are projected to come in at an estimated 14.4 million SAAR.

“Chrysler Group’s large car, minivan, crossover and truck segments all posted increases in retail sales in August,” said Steven Beahm, Vice President-Sales Operations, Chrysler Group LLC. “The Dodge Avenger, Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler PT Cruiser were very popular with consumers looking for high-quality, fuel-efficient vehicles.”

August Brand Sales Highlights

  • Seventeen out of 26 nameplates posted year-over-year and/or month-over-month retail sales increases, including five out of six Jeep nameplates. Nameplates with increased retail sales are: o Chrysler Sebring Sedan/Convertible, Chrysler 300, Chrysler PT Cruiser, Chrysler Town & Country, Jeep Wrangler, Jeep Liberty, Jeep Compass, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Commander, Dodge Caliber, Dodge Avenger, Dodge Charger, Dodge Challenger, Dodge Journey, Dodge Dakota, Dodge Ram and Dodge Sprinter
  • Jeep Grand Cherokee U.S. sales increased 62 percent (7,679 units) compared with August 2008 and 118 percent versus the previous month
  • Chrysler 300 U.S. sales increased 17 percent versus August 2008 (4,320 units) and increased 88 percent versus July
  • Chrysler PT Cruiser retail sales were up 100 percent (3,819 units) compared with August 2008 and increased 45 percent compared with July. August is the second consecutive month of year-over-year sales increases for Chrysler PT Cruiser
  • Dodge Grand Caravan U.S. sales were up 13 percent (10,648 units) compared with August 2008 and increased 27 percent versus July, representing the second consecutive month of sales increases
  • Dodge Avenger U.S. sales increased 16 percent (4,118 units) compared with August 2008
  • Mopar® parts and accessories sales increased 5 percent compared with July
  • Mopar introduces new accessories that will help consumers Refresh their Ride, including: New Garmin™ nüvi® navigation systems, new Jeep Wrangler door kits and 2010 MY Dodge Ram chrome accessories

Incentives
Chrysler Group LLC today announced the following incentives valid today through September 30, 2009:

2009 Model Year Vehicles:
Chrysler Group is pleased to offer 0 percent financing for up to 72 months through GMAC Financial Services or up to $4,500 Consumer Cash on select 2009 model year Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles.

2010 Model Year Vehicles:
On select 2010 model Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles, limited Consumer Cash of up to $2,000 or attractive financing rates through GMAC Financial Services are available.

About Chrysler Group LLC
Chrysler Group LLC, formed in 2009 from a global strategic alliance with Fiat Group, produces Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Mopar and Global Electric Motors (GEM) brand vehicles and products. With the resources, technology and worldwide distribution network required to compete on a global scale, the alliance builds on Chrysler’s culture of innovation – first established by Walter P. Chrysler in 1925 – and Fiat’s complementary technology – from a company whose heritage dates back to 1899.

Headquartered in Auburn Hills, Mich., Chrysler Group LLC’s product lineup features some of the world’s most recognizable vehicles, including the Chrysler 300, Jeep Wrangler and Dodge Ram. Fiat will contribute world-class technology, platforms and powertrains for small- and medium-sized cars, allowing Chrysler Group to offer an expanded product line including environmentally friendly vehicles.


Chrysler Group LLC U.S. Sales Summary Thru August 2009

 

 Month Sales

Vol %

Sales CYTD

Vol %

Model

Curr Yr

Pr Yr

Change

Curr Yr

Pr Yr

Change

Sebring

2,514

4,140

-39%

15,980

55,978

-71%

300

4,320

3,688

17%

25,911

47,520

-45%

Crossfire

17

162

-90%

372

1,453

-74%

PT Cruiser

3,819

3,808

0%

16,502

39,935

-59%

Aspen

344

1,922

-82%

5,709

16,368

-65%

Pacifica

75

435

-83%

1,910

5,077

-62%

Town & Country

7,530

10,182

-26%

58,104

86,058

-32%

CHRYSLER BRAND

18,619

24,337

-23%

124,488

252,389

-51%

Compass

1,426

1,602

-11%

9,924

21,396

-54%

Patriot

2,637

4,019

-34%

24,219

44,154

-45%

Wrangler

5,613

6,469

-13%

59,043

59,005

0%

Liberty

3,359

4,654

-28%

29,938

49,330

-39%

Grand Cherokee

7,679

4,736

62%

34,289

52,768

-35%

Commander

1,327

1,996

-34%

7,352

21,064

-65%

JEEP BRAND

22,041

23,476

-6%

164,765

247,717

-33%

Caliber

4,039

4,022

0%

29,160

67,940

-57%

Avenger

4,118

3,557

16%

24,472

49,328

-50%

Charger

6,479

8,102

-20%

38,603

72,102

-46%

Challenger

1,132

2,077

-45%

17,100

6,067

182%

Viper

19

104

-82%

348

786

-56%

Magnum

0

148

-100%

113

6,742

-98%

Dakota

1,022

1,032

-1%

8,495

21,004

-60%

Ram P/U

17,514

24,974

-30%

129,753

175,246

-26%

Journey

4,739

4,587

3%

34,853

30,767

13%

Caravan

10,648

9,422

13%

60,800

91,342

-33%

Durango

194

1,430

-86%

3,254

16,723

-81%

Nitro

1,510

1,991

-24%

12,510

27,540

-55%

Sprinter

1,148

976

18%

4,605

10,477

-56%

DODGE BRAND

52,562

62,422

-16%

364,066

576,064

-37%

 

 

 

TOTAL CHRYSLER GROUP LLC

93,222

110,235

-15%

653,319

1,076,170

-39%

 

 

 

          TOTAL CAR

22,638

26,016

-13%

152,061

309,002

-51%

          TOTAL TRUCK

70,584

84,219

-16%

501,258

767,168

-35%

Selling Days

26

27

 

204

206

 

Global Sales Reporting & Analysis 

September 1, 2009

Source: Chrysler Media Services