Chrysler LLC March 2008 Sales Indicate Newest Models Have Strong Customer Appeal
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- Total sales record set for fuel-efficient compact vehicle trio of Dodge Caliber, Jeep Compass and Jeep Patriot
- New long-wheel base minivan models' individual sales continue to grow
- Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Avenger increase Chrysler LLC year-to-date market share in competitive Standard Mid-Size segment
- All-new Dodge Journey off to a great new start
AUBURN HILLS, Mich., April 1, 2008 -- Chrysler LLC today reported total March 2008 sales of 166,386 units which is 19 percent below the same period last year. Total March sales reflect a combination of positive consumer response to new models, a sustained and planned reduction in daily- rental fleet vehicle sales and an industry-wide slowdown in large pickup truck and SUV sales. All sales figures are reported as unadjusted.
"We are in a period where the public hears news about the economy every day and it is clearly having an impact on our industry," said Vice Chairman and President Jim Press. "At the same time, this market environment is driving more customers to our newest value-oriented, fuel-efficient products like Jeep Patriot, Dodge Journey, Dodge Avenger and Chrysler Sebring. Chrysler's strategy to right-size our operations, increase fuel efficiency and reduce daily rental fleet sales will help us get through this period as a stronger company with healthier dealers."
Chrysler had solid customer interest for its combined compact vehicle lineup of the Dodge Caliber, Jeep Compass and Patriot. Combined, the three vehicles reached 21,909 compact vehicle buyers in March, an increase of 51 percent from March 2007. All three models had increased sales in March to set a new monthly sales record for the lineup.
New customer sales increased 18 percent for Chrysler's two new long wheel base minivans, the Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan. Total Dodge Grand Caravan March sales were 14,101, an increase of 8 percent over the same model in 2007. The Chrysler Town & Country long wheel base model had strong March sales of 13,335 units, a year-over-year increase of 32 percent.
Chrysler's new mid-sized cars continue to grab marketshare with total Chrysler Sebring Sedan/Sebring Convertible sales up 23 percent and Dodge Avenger sales up 8 percent, for a 15 percent segment increase in March 2008. Another new vehicle, the Dodge Journey sold 2,640 units in its second month of sales.
The Company finished the month with 423,607 units of inventory, or a 66- day supply. Inventory is down by 15 percent compared with March 2007 when it was at 499,771 units.
Customer Initiatives
Chrysler LLC recently launched a Customer Advisory Board, providing the Company an opportunity to establish two-way dialogue with customers and design the products they want and need.
In April, Chrysler will continue to offer special "New Day" vehicle packages that combine our most popular features on a wide range of vehicles at reduced prices.
Chrysler will continue to offer the most unique product lineup in the industry, along with the most innovative products and the best Lifetime Powertrain Warranty coverage in the market.
About Chrysler LLC
Chrysler LLC, headquartered in Auburn Hills, Mich., produces Chrysler, Jeep(R), 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 from 2006. The Company's product lineup features some of the world's most recognizable vehicles, including the Chrysler 300, Jeep Wrangler and Dodge Charger.
Chrysler LLC U.S. Sales Summary Thru March 2008
Month Sales Vol % Sales CYTD Vol %
Model Curr Yr Pr Yr Change Curr Yr Pr Yr Change
Sebring 10,177 8,306 23% 30,411 20,935 45%
300 7,995 11,376 -30% 24,952 30,376 -18%
Crossfire 190 678 -72% 462 2,281 -80%
PT Cruiser 5,305 8,531 -38% 15,604 25,333 -38%
Aspen 2,668 2,896 -8% 8,117 7,244 12%
Pacifica 866 6,438 -87% 2,693 16,432 -84%
Town & Country* 13,338 13,649 -2% 34,381 36,871 -7%
CHRYSLER BRAND 40,539 51,874 -22% 116,620 139,472 -16%
Compass 4,836 3,802 27% 10,400 11,838 -12%
Patriot 7,564 2,109 259% 17,248 2,928 489%
Wrangler 8,589 13,397 -36% 21,814 31,591 -31%
Liberty 7,366 9,634 -24% 23,047 24,363 -5%
Grand Cherokee 8,172 10,398 -21% 23,163 30,856 -25%
Commander 3,414 5,995 -43% 9,648 16,896 -43%
JEEP BRAND 39,941 45,335 -12% 105,320 118,472 -11%
Caliber 9,509 8,634 10% 31,331 27,206 15%
Avenger 9,755 9,026 8% 25,246 15,515 63%
Charger 9,296 12,707 -27% 27,018 30,923 -13%
Viper 109 54 102% 272 153 78%
Magnum 1,150 2,983 -61% 5,354 8,425 -36%
Dakota 4,074 6,411 -36% 8,767 15,399 -43%
Ram P/U 26,318 38,301 -31% 68,862 91,313 -25%
Journey 2,640 0 0% 3,382 0 0%
Caravan* 14,104 17,921 -21% 33,271 52,889 -37%
Durango 2,691 4,362 -38% 9,258 14,590 -37%
Nitro 4,981 7,532 -34% 15,355 19,697 -22%
Sprinter 1,279 876 46% 3,815 2,253 69%
DODGE BRAND 85,906 109,226 -21% 231,931 279,305 -17%
TOTAL CHRYSLER LLC 166,386 206,435 -19% 453,871 537,249 -16%
TOTAL CAR 48,339 55,608 -13% 145,601 139,511 4%
TOTAL TRUCK 118,047 150,827 -22% 308,270 397,738 -22%
Selling Days 26 28 76 77
* Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan sales comparison include eliminated 2007 model year short wheel base vehicles.