Chrysler Group LLC today reported U.S. sales of 148,472 units, a 14
percent increase compared with sales in August 2011 (130,120 units),
and the group’s best August sales since 2007.
The Chrysler, Jeep®, Dodge, Ram Truck and Fiat brands each recorded
year-over- year sales gains in August compared with the same month a
year ago. The Fiat brand’s 34 percent increase was the largest sales
gain of any Chrysler Group brand for the month. August marked Chrysler
Group’s 29th consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains.
The Dodge brand produced three record-setting models while registering
the largest sales volume of any Chrysler Group brand in August. The
Dodge Journey full-size crossover, the most versatile and affordable
crossover in America, set an all-time sales record while the sporty
Dodge Avenger mid-size sedan and Dodge Challenger muscle car each set a
sales record for the month of August.
The FIAT, Chrysler and Jeep brands also produced record-setting models
in August. The Fiat 500 set an all-time sales record with its 34
percent sales gain while the Chrysler 200 mid-size sedan and the Jeep
Wrangler established sales records for the month of August.
“Our Iron Man streak continued last month as we posted our
29th-consecutive month of year-over-year sales growth,” said Reid
Bigland, President and CEO – Dodge Brand and Head of U.S. Sales. “Our
hard work over the past few years is starting to pay some dividends in
our sales growth, quality awards and profitability. Not to mention, an
incredibly resilient U.S. new vehicle sales industry doesn’t hurt
either.”
Chrysler Group’s 14 percent increase in August was driven in part by
sales of the all-new Dodge Dart compact sedan (3,045 units). Dart sales
were up 294 percent in August compared with the previous month of July,
as the Belvidere, Ill. assembly plant continues to ramp up Dart
production.
The Chrysler 300 flagship sedan, with its substantial 65 percent
increase, contributed to Chrysler Group’s August increase, as did the
Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan minivans, each
posting double-digit percentage gains for the month. The Jeep Grand
Cherokee, with a 13 percent hike, had its best August in six years
while the Ram pickup truck extended its lengthy streak of consecutive
year-over-year sales gains with a 19 percent increase in August.
Chrysler Group finished the month with a 66-days supply of inventory
(362,407 units). U.S. industry sales figures for August are projected
at an estimated 14.6 million units Seasonally Adjusted Annual Rate
(SAAR).
August 2012 U.S. Sales Highlights by Brand
FIAT Brand
FIAT brand sales, up 34 percent compared with the same
month a year ago, were an all-time sales record in August. Sales of the
Fiat 500 Cabrio were up 37 percent versus the same month last year,
while the Fiat 500 Abarth, the ultimate high-performance small car,
recorded a 22 percent increase compared with sales during the previous
month of July. The Fiat 500 was one of three Chrysler Group models to
rank highest in their segment in Strategic Vision’s 2012 Total Quality
Index in August. The Fiat 500 was ranked first in the Small Car segment.
The FIAT Brand introduced the new 2013 Fiat 500 Turbo in August, the
fourth model in the expanding FIAT brand product lineup and one of the
most affordable turbo-charged vehicles in America. The Fiat 500 Turbo
features a 135-horsepower 1.4-liter MultiAir® Turbo engine, sport-tuned
suspension, track-proven brakes, dynamic exterior design and
sport-styled interior. The new Fiat 500 Turbo answers the call for
enthusiasts who are drawn to the Italian style of the Fiat 500 but want
more power and performance for their daily drive.
Chrysler Brand
Chrysler brand sales were up 25 percent, the brand’s best
August sales in five years and its 14th-consecutive month of
year-over-year sales gains. Sales of the Chrysler 300 flagship sedan
were up 65 percent, the full-size sedan’s best August sales in five
years. The Chrysler 200 mid-size sedan contributed to the brand’s sales
gain by setting a sales record for the month of August. The Chrysler
Town & Country minivan, which offers families versatility, luxury,
and convenience at a value, logged a double-digit sales increase, its
best August sales in six years and second best sales month this year.
Ram Truck Brand
The Ram pickup truck extended its streak of year-over-year
sales gains to 28-consecutive months in August. Sales of the Ram pickup
truck, Chrysler Group’s volume leader, were up 19 percent in August
compared with the same month a year ago. It was the pickup truck’s best
August sales performance since 2007. Of the Ram 1500 sales, the regular
cab pickups posted the largest percentage sales increase in August,
while the crew cab trucks led in volume. The Ram Light Duty, Heavy Duty
and Chassis Cab pickup trucks posted year-over-year sales increases in
August. The Ram Cargo Van posted a 53 percent sales increase compared
with the previous month of July.
The Ram Truck brand, which recorded its best August sales in four
years, introduced its new 2013 Ram 1500 to the automotive media in
August underscoring the model’s best-in-class fuel economy,
state-of-the-art technology, and class-exclusive features. Production
of the Ram begins this month and is expected to arrive in dealer
showrooms in October.
Dodge Brand
Dodge brand sales increased 13 percent, the brand’s best
August sales since 2005 and its second best sales month this year.
Dodge brand sales of 47,348 units represented the largest sales volume
of any Chrysler Group brand in August. Sales of the all-new Dodge Dart
compact sedan soared 294 percent in its third month of sales. As Dart
production continues to ramp up in the Belvidere, Ill. assembly plant,
a full, multifaceted marketing campaign will launch this month,
following the 90-second “How to Change Cars Forever” commercial that
debuted in July.
As sales of the new Dart heat up, three Dodge models set sales records
in August. The Dodge Journey, the most versatile and affordable
crossover in America, set an all-time sales record with its hefty 58
percent increase in August. The sporty Dodge Avenger mid-size sedan and
Dodge Challenger muscle car each set sales records for month of August.
Not to be outdone by the passenger cars, the Dodge Grand Caravan had
its best August in seven years. In fact, the Grand Caravan and Chrysler
Town & Country minivans each logged double-digit sales increases in
August.
The Dodge Charger took home a Strategic Vision 2012 Total Quality Award
in the Large Car segment, complementing its 30 percent sales increase
in August, while the Dodge brand was cited as the most improved brand
in the industry.
Jeep® Brand
Jeep brand sales were up 5 percent, the brand’s best
August sales in nine years and its 28th consecutive month of
year-over-year sales gains. The Jeep Wrangler, the brand’s volume
leader in August, set a sales record for the month of August. Sales of
the Jeep Grand Cherokee, the most awarded SUV ever, were up 13 percent,
its best August sales in six years. Sales of the Jeep Liberty were up
15 percent in August compared with the same month last year. It was the
Liberty’s best August since 2006.
The Grand Cherokee won a Total Quality Award in the Medium SUV segment
from Strategic Vision in August. Strategic Vision’s Total Quality Index
reflects all aspects of buying, owning and driving a vehicle as a
holistic measure, and encompasses positive and negative experiences
including reliability, driving excitement, emotional attachment and
overall sales and service satisfaction.
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