Jun 03

Chrysler reports May sales 25% down from 2007! ..not a pretty Picture!

Tag: UncategorizedRobert Lamb @ 2:40 pm

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., June 3 /PRNewswire/ — Chrysler LLC today reported total May 2008 sales of 148,747 units, which is 25 percent below the same period last year. Total May sales reflect a combination of record sales of Chrysler’s newest highly fuel-efficient vehicles, an unusually high 40 percent cut in monthly fleet vehicle sales and a continued industry wide slowdown in pickup truck and SUV sales. All sales figures are reported as unadjusted.

“There is a new era emerging in the restructuring of the American economy. There is an unprecedented shift in the industry that is challenging, but we are determined to provide consumers what they need and want,” Vice Chairman and President Jim Press said. “We are responding to consumers with innovative incentive choices and new vehicle offerings, five of which get 28 mpg highway driving for under $20,000. These actions have helped move our retail sales more in line with the overall industry and provided a lift for our dealers this month.”

May sales highlight the continued growth of Dodge brand cars and crossovers, such as the Dodge Caliber and Dodge Journey, both of which come with a standard four-cylinder engine delivering 28 mpg on the highway. The two vehicles reached new monthly sales records in May with the Dodge Caliber posting sales of 12,856 units, up 7 percent compared with May 2007 sales of 12,052 units, and the all-new Dodge Journey reaching 7,520 units in only its fourth month of sales.

The fuel-efficient Jeep(R) Patriot posted record monthly sales as it continues to be one of Chrysler’s fastest growing models. Jeep Patriot sales of 8,199 units represented an 82 percent increase in May 2008 versus the same period last year.

Customers continue to take advantage of the luxury-value equation of the Chrysler Aspen, which posted sales of 2,037 units, an 18 percent increase from May 2007 sales of 1,724 units. With a base starting price of $33,225, the Aspen, offers an optional Multi-displacement System (MDS) equipped HEMI(R) powertrain that achieves up to 25 percent fuel economy improvement overall and 40 percent improvement in city driving (18 city/20 hwy).

Consumer and dealer feedback has been very positive on Chrysler’s lineup of the “New Day” packages. The wide-range of vehicles offering the company’s most sought-after features at reduced prices will continue to be available in June.

Despite slow industry sales, the Company finished the month with 412,009 units of inventory, or a 75-day supply. As part of a planned reduction, inventory is down 14 percent compared with May 2007 when it totaled 479,501 units.

Let’s Refuel America $2.99 Gas Guarantee

Buyers were most likely to choose the gas guarantee incentive option versus cash back or 0 percent financing when purchasing the Dodge Journey, Dodge Caliber, Chrysler Sebring Sedan, Dodge Avenger and Chrysler Town & Country.

“We are pleased with the consumer response to the Let’s Refuel America $2.99 Gas Guarantee program,” Press said. “Shoppers really appreciate the opportunity to stabilize their fuel costs and to increase their savings if gas prices continue to rise. The program gives consumers three incentive choices of similar current value to help them address their most pressing needs. With great high mileage product, creative incentive choices, a strong dealer network, and dedicated employees, we are ushering in new confidence for the month of June.”

For additional information, refer to www.letsrefuelamerica.com

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 May 2008
                                                    Month Sales            Vol %
                     Model                     Curr Yr       Pr Yr      Change
Sebring                                     7,124       10,304       -31%
300                                         4,763       11,687       -59%
Crossfire                                     250        1,517       -84%
PT Cruiser                                  5,203       10,059       -48%
Aspen                                       2,037        1,724        18%
Pacifica                                      530        3,487       -85%
Town & Country                             12,869       14,379       -11%
   CHRYSLER BRAND                          32,776       53,157       -38%
Compass                                     3,114        3,735       -17%
Patriot                                     8,199        4,504        82%
Wrangler                                    9,260       12,332       -25%
Liberty                                     6,228        7,654       -19%
Grand Cherokee                              6,979        9,101       -23%
Commander                                   2,061        5,544       -63%
  JEEP BRAND                              35,841       42,870       -16%
Caliber                                    12,856       12,052         7%
Avenger                                     6,354        8,638       -26%
Charger                                    10,134       13,463       -25%
Challenger                                     71            0         0%
Viper                                         126           27       367%
Magnum                                        274        2,651       -90%
Dakota                                      3,605        4,838       -25%
Ram P/U                                    19,727       31,327       -37%
Journey                                     7,520            0         0%
Caravan                                    13,655       18,236       -25%
Durango                                     1,360        4,364       -69%
Nitro                                       2,667        6,110       -56%
Sprinter                                    1,781        1,351        32%
   DODGE BRAND                             80,130      103,366       -22%
    TOTAL CHRYSLER LLC                     148,747      199,393       -25%
            TOTAL CAR                        42,124       62,621       -33%
            TOTAL TRUCK                     106,623      136,772       -22%
  Selling Days                                   27           26
                                    Sales CYTD             Vol %
Model                                     Curr Yr       Pr Yr      Change
Sebring                                    42,911       38,797        11%
300                                        35,486       51,199       -31%
Crossfire                                     905        4,544       -80%
PT Cruiser                                 26,614       43,145       -38%
Aspen                                      12,289       10,932        12%
Pacifica                                    3,888       28,502       -86%
Town & Country                             57,973       66,951       -13%
   CHRYSLER BRAND                         180,066      244,070       -26%
Compass                                    16,318       18,812       -13%
Patriot                                    31,795       10,336       208%
Wrangler                                   39,773       54,699       -27%
Liberty                                    35,917       41,560       -14%
Grand Cherokee                             36,739       49,493       -26%
Commander                                  14,352       27,642       -48%
   JEEP BRAND                             174,894      202,542       -14%
Caliber                                    53,012       48,564         9%
Avenger                                    37,266       32,367        15%
Charger                                    50,173       54,443        -8%
Challenger                                     71            0         0%
Viper                                         515          227       127%
Magnum                                      6,061       13,465       -55%
Dakota                                     14,936       24,343       -39%
Ram P/U                                   112,795      154,143       -27%
Journey                                    17,569            0         0%
Caravan                                    61,591       94,220       -35%
Durango                                    13,186       23,628       -44%
Nitro                                      21,321       31,444       -32%
 Sprinter                                    6,913        4,812        44%
     DODGE BRAND                            395,409      483,134       -18%
       TOTAL CHRYSLER LLC                     750,369      929,746       -19%
                TOTAL CAR                       227,289      251,186       -10%
              TOTAL TRUCK                     523,080      678,560       -23%
Selling Days                                  129          127
 

SOURCE Chrysler LLC