Chrysler LLC Reports August 2008 U.S. Sales
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Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country minivans have strong sales month, up 7 percent over last year
Dodge Ram light-duty truck and Jeep(R) Liberty performance improves versus July
Dodge Journey gains momentum; buyers coming out of larger SUVs
Dodge Charger sales continue to grow
Up to 40 percent off MSRP available in September
AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Sept. 3, 2008 - Chrysler LLC today reported total August 2008 U.S. sales of 110,235 units, down 34 percent from the same period last year. Total August sales reflect an industry-wide slowdown, segment shifts and reduced fleet sales. Compared with July 2008, Chrysler's August sales increased 12 percent supported by enhanced financing offers, efforts to shift lease-oriented customers to purchasing, leasing availability from independent financial institutions and better demand for key vehicles. Although Chrysler Financial is no longer offering leasing options to Chrysler customers, customers are still able to lease Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge products through independent financial institutions and qualify for available discounts.
"The industry is changing rapidly in terms of what vehicles and features customers want and the leasing and financing options available to them," Jim Press, Chrysler LLC Vice Chairman and President, said. "To help consumers, we are offering some of our most popular vehicles at significant savings. In August, we saw this formula generate new signs of momentum on vehicles like our Chrysler and Dodge minivans, Dodge Ram light-duty trucks and Jeep(R) Liberty. In September, we will continue to offer competitive values and showcase dynamic new vehicles like the 2009 Dodge Challenger, and hybrid Dodge Durango and Chrysler Aspen SUVs."
September Incentives
Chrysler's 'Shop 'til You Drive Sales Event' continues through Sept. 30, offering up to 40 percent off MSRP on select vehicles, and zero percent APR for 72-months on the 2008 Dodge Ram, Dodge Durango, Chrysler Aspen, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Jeep Commander. Especially strong values are available on Dodge Ram pickup trucks, with up to $9,000 discounts in select markets.
In September, customers can continue to take advantage of consumer bonus cash of $2,000 on select retail purchases when financed through Chrysler Financial. For those customers who still wish to lease a Chrysler, Jeep or Dodge vehicle through an independent financial institution, they can take advantage of Chrysler's Customer Cash Allowance on select vehicles up to $2,000.
Returning lease customers will receive a Lease Loyalty incentive up to $750 for use towards the retail purchase of an eligible new Chrysler, Jeep or Dodge vehicle. The disposition fee, up to $425, will be waived by Chrysler Financial.
August Sales Highlights
Total Chrysler LLC minivan sales were up 7 percent compared with a year ago. The Dodge Grand Caravan posted sales of 9,422 units, nearly flat when compared with August 2007 sales. However, when compared with July 2008, Grand Caravan sales were up 54 percent. The all-new Chrysler Town & Country posted increased sales of 10,182 units in August, up 15 percent compared with August 2007 sales, and up 26 percent when compared with July 2008 sales.
Total Dodge Ram light-duty truck sales have doubled in the last 60 days, (June sales 9,172 units vs. August sales 18,774 units). Although sales were down 7 percent when compared with August 2007, sales increased 16 percent when compared with July 2008 sales. The 2009 model year Dodge Ram will begin arriving in Dodge dealerships in September.
The all-new 2008 Dodge Journey continues to gain momentum in the expanding mid-size crossover segment by capturing more than 35 percent of its buyers from owners of larger SUVs who are looking for efficiency and versatility. More than half of all Dodge Journey sales were first-time customers to the Dodge Brand. Journey posted sales of 4,587 in August, a 33 percent increase when compared with July 2008 sales of 3,449 units.
Chrysler LLC sold 4,654 units of the Jeep Liberty in August, a decrease of 14 percent when compared with August 2007. However, the vehicle picked up some momentum in August increasing sales 24 percent when compared with July 2008 sales.
Sales for the Dodge Charger continue to grow. In August, 8,102 Dodge Chargers were sold, a 3 percent increase versus 2007 sales, and a 48 percent increase compared with July 2008 sales.
The Company finished the month with 380,560 units of inventory, or a 93-day supply. As part of a planned reduction in manufacturing and capacity, inventory is down 15 percent compared with August 2007 when it totaled 446,249 units.
Chrysler LLC U.S. Sales Summary Thru August 2008
Month Sales Vol %
Model Curr Yr Pr Yr Change
Sebring 4,140 7,659 -46%
300 3,688 9,016 -59%
Crossfire 162 372 -56%
PT Cruiser 3,808 10,938 -65%
Aspen 1,922 3,599 -47%
Pacifica 435 3,228 -87%
Town & Country 10,182 8,838 15%
CHRYSLER BRAND 24,337 43,650 -44%
Compass 1,602 3,625 -56%
Patriot 4,019 5,081 -21%
Wrangler 6,469 9,464 -32%
Liberty 4,654 5,387 -14%
Grand Cherokee 4,736 12,265 -61%
Commander 1,996 5,890 -66%
JEEP BRAND 23,476 41,712 -44%
Caliber 4,022 9,320 -57%
Avenger 3,557 5,989 -41%
Charger 8,102 7,846 3%
Challenger 2,077 0 0%
Viper 104 1 N/A
Magnum 148 1,087 -86%
Dakota 1,032 4,620 -78%
Ram P/U 24,974 32,309 -23%
Journey 4,587 0 0%
Caravan 9,422 9,548 -1%
Durango 1,430 3,284 -56%
Nitro 1,991 6,931 -71%
Sprinter 976 1,906 -49%
DODGE BRAND 62,422 82,841 -25%
TOTAL CHRYSLER LLC 110,235 168,203 -34%
TOTAL CAR 26,016 42,308 -39%
TOTAL TRUCK 84,219 125,895 -33%
Selling Days 27 27
Sales CYTD Vol %
Model Curr Yr Pr Yr Change
Sebring 55,978 62,220 -10%
300 47,520 81,020 -41%
Crossfire 1,453 7,789 -81%
PT Cruiser 39,935 71,243 -44%
Aspen 16,368 18,593 -12%
Pacifica 5,077 38,691 -87%
Town & Country 86,058 90,453 -5%
CHRYSLER BRAND 252,389 370,009 -32%
Compass 21,396 28,421 -25%
Patriot 44,154 23,367 89%
Wrangler 59,005 83,944 -30%
Liberty 49,330 62,035 -20%
Grand Cherokee 52,768 82,827 -36%
Commander 21,064 45,615 -54%
JEEP BRAND 247,717 326,209 -24%
Caliber 67,940 74,004 -8%
Avenger 49,328 50,830 -3%
Charger 72,102 80,225 -10%
Challenger 6,067 0 0%
Viper 786 324 143%
Magnum 6,742 18,714 -64%
Dakota 21,004 37,188 -44%
Ram P/U 175,246 246,878 -29%
Journey 30,767 0 0%
Caravan 91,342 120,055 -24%
Durango 16,723 34,661 -52%
Nitro 27,540 48,745 -44%
Sprinter 10,477 9,704 8%
DODGE BRAND 576,064 722,806 -20%
TOTAL CHRYSLER LLC 1,076,170 1,419,024 -24%
TOTAL CAR 309,002 386,195 -20%
TOTAL TRUCK 767,168 1,032,829 -26%
Selling Days 206 205