NITRO Sales UP 31% in Canada!

**rickaren** · #1 (**permalink**) 09-03-2008, 03:04 PM

Light Duty Dodge Ram momentum grows - sales up 25 percent calendar-
year-to-date (CYTD)
- Strong consumer demand for Dodge Nitro - best month ever
- Jeep Wrangler sales up 18 percent - new August sales record
- Chrysler Aspen hybrid launches - 40 percent improvement in city fuel
economy over the current model >>

WINDSOR, ON, Sept. 3 /CNW/ - Chrysler Canada today reported sales of
15,548 for the month of August, with a positive showing by several key
vehicles (August 2007: 20,503). The Company's results calendar-year-to-date
(CYTD) remained stable, with sales of 162,299 for the period January through
August, compared to 162,862 in 2007.
"August sales reflect the shift Canadian buyers are making from a lease
focus to a purchase-oriented automotive market," said Reid Bigland, President
and CEO of Chrysler Canada. "In spite of the softening, unprecedented pricing
on many of our Chrysler, Jeep(R) and Dodge products resonated with shoppers
and generated solid sales."

August Highlights

The Dodge Ram Light Duty pickup truck posted another very successful
month, achieving sales of 3,131, compared to 2,752 in 2007, an increase of
14 percent.
"Our Dodge Ram Light Duty pickup truck has experienced phenomenal success
in 2008, with sales up 25 percent CYTD over the same period last year," said
Dave Buckingham, Vice President of Sales. "This is great news considering that
we are bringing an all-new, completely redesigned light duty Dodge Ram to
market later this fall. With 35 new or improved features, our 2009 Ram is
clearly a game-changer that raises the bar for the competition."
Demand for the Dodge Nitro rose significantly in August, with sales of
1,047, an increase of 31 percent compared to the same month in 2007. Sales of
the Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country more than doubled over the
August 2007 level, with combined sales of 2,890 (2007: 1,388).
The iconic Jeep Wrangler posted strong sales for the month, achieving 949
units sold, an increase of 18 percent over 2007. Another Chrysler LLC legend,
the Dodge Challenger SRT8(R), has been building momentum and driving showroom
traffic in spite of limited availability. The 2009 Dodge Challenger is
launching in September with an increased range of models and powertrains,
reaching a broader spectrum of driving enthusiasts. The Dodge Challenger SE
will be offered with a fuel-efficient 3.5L V6 which delivers a highway fuel
economy rating of 7.9L/100 km (36 mpg).
Production began in August of the all-new 2009 Chrysler Aspen Hybrid
Electric Vehicle (HEV). The Chrysler Aspen HEV will be available for sale
beginning this fall, and offers seven-passenger seating combined with a blend
of performance, utility, functionality and significantly improved fuel
economy. Combined with fuel-saving MDS technology, the advanced, two-mode
hybrid technology delivers an overall improvement of more than 25 percent in
fuel economy and up to a 40 percent improvement in the city.

September Sales Promotions

For the month of September, Chrysler Canada's incentive program will
focus on aggressive cash positions with competitive monthly payment options
and total discounts up to $13,500. For example, the 2008 Dodge Ram 1500 Quad
Cab(R) SXT 4 X 4 featuring a HEMI(R) V8 with fuel-saving Multi-Displacement
System (MDS), chrome wheels, and power equipment package is available for
$23,898, or $165 bi-weekly. The Dodge Ram pickup is Chrysler Canada's
highest-selling vehicle.
Total discounts on the 2008 Jeep Wrangler and 4-door Wrangler Unlimited
now equal up to $5,000. A well-equipped Jeep Wrangler Sahara with modular hard
top, air conditioning, aluminum wheels, power equipment package and legendary
4 X 4 capability can be purchased for as little as $155 bi-weekly.
In addition to exceptional pricing, Chrysler Canada is launching the
all-new "We'll Pay Your Way Till 2009" initiative. Under this program,
Chrysler Canada will cover all monthly purchase or lease payments up to $1,500
through the end of 2008. Customers also have the option of selecting a cash
rebate of $1,250. "We'll pay your way" is not a payment deferral, but an
innovative incentive plan that covers nearly all 2008 model vehicles
(excluding Dodge Sprinter and Challenger), as well as the 2009 Dodge Caliber,
Jeep Compass, and Jeep Patriot.

LINK:CNW Group | CHRYSLER CANADA INC. | Chrysler Canada Announces August Sales