Chrysler LLC Achieves Record Sales Outside North America With Best Year Ever

**rickaren** · #1 (**permalink**) 01-07-2008, 09:12 AM

AUBURN HILLS, Michigan, January 7 /PRNewswire/ --

- Chrysler achieved its best year ever outside North America in 2007,
surpassing the previous sales record set 10 years ago

- 2007 sales increased 15 percent over 2006

- December 2007 sales grew six percent over the same month last year

- Unprecedented 31 consecutive months of year-over-year sales growth

Chrysler achieved record sales outside North America in 2007 (238,218
units), outselling any previous year in the Company's history. This was an
increase of 15 percent compared with total year sales in 2006, and set
another record for the company with more than two and a half years of
consecutive month-over-month sales growth. For the month of December, sales
grew six percent (22,004 units) compared to the same month last year.

"On behalf of our leadership team, I would like to extend my personal
thanks and appreciation to Chrysler's International network for a very strong
2007," Bob Nardelli, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, said. "This
impressive performance in markets outside North America is a great
demonstration of what can be done when all of our employees, dealers,
distributors and suppliers come together enabling Chrysler to accomplish
something this company has never done before."

All of the regions outside North America posted sales gains for the year.
The Middle East / North Africa region led the growth with a 64 percent
increase (21,171 units) over 2006. Latin American sales increased 22 percent
(45,199 units), Eastern Europe was up 30 percent (12,775 units), and Asia
Pacific grew 22 percent (33,715 units). Western / Central Europe, which
accounts for roughly half of Chrysler's International sales, achieved six
percent growth in 2007 (117,675 units).

"Just think about it ... every one of our regions posted a sales gain,"
Jim Press, Vice Chairman and President, said. "That speaks volumes in a tough
market, especially for American brands in International markets. It speaks to
the quality of our dealers and distributors, our people, and the value and
quality of our products. These are the tools with which we serve you, the
customer and we will continue to constantly improve them to keep you
satisfied as our company moves forward."

Within these regions, many markets established records of their own. In
Italy, the company's highest volume market outside North America, the
Chrysler brand was the leader in the large MPV segment for the 15th
consecutive year. In some markets, such as the Netherlands, the
recently-introduced Dodge brand was the fastest growing brand in the country.

The Dodge Caliber was the highest sales volume vehicle for Chrysler in
2007 (30,937 units), helping the brand to almost double sales from the
previous year when its availability was expanded to include all major markets
where Chrysler has a presence. In 2008, Dodge will continue to grow its
portfolio outside North America, as the all-new Dodge Journey reaches
customers mid-year.

While each of the three brands was represented by a top-selling vehicle
last year, Dodge with the Caliber, Jeep(R) with the Grand Cherokee, and
Chrysler with the 300C, Jeep sales jumped 13 percent (96,924 units) to make
it the Company's top-selling brand in 2007. In addition to the Jeep Grand
Cherokee, demand for the Wrangler, Patriot and Compass have continued to grow
since their introductions. This year, the company will launch the all-new
Jeep Cherokee, in international markets, a volume vehicle for the brand.

Jeep is an icon around the world, and the brand's portfolio is
well-suited to meet the needs of a wide variety of customers. The brand has
done well in 2007, as have many vehicles in our brands' lineup, and the
company sees the momentum continuing for Jeep as more customers have access
to legendary brand's seven vehicles - all of which are available in
right-hand-drive and with a diesel powertrain.

Chrysler LLC sells and services vehicles in more than 125 countries
around the world. Sales outside North America currently account for more than
nine percent of the Company's total global sales, up from six percent in the
year 2000. Vehicles available range across all three Chrysler brands, with
limited availability on some trucks and SUV models. The Company's operations
outside North America have been experiencing year-over-year sales increases
since 2004, with a record number of vehicles sold in 2007. In 2008, Chrysler
LLC will launch three all-new vehicles outside North America, one for each
one of its brands, and will remain focused on strategic, profitable growth in
markets around the world.

Posted : Mon, 07 Jan 2008 08:01:18 GMT
Author : Chrysler LLC
Category : PressRelease