Jeep, Chrysler Make Huge Gains

[rickaren]

Jan 20, 2012

Jeep, Chrysler make huge gains in new-car registrations



Looks like Americans really want cars that are "imported from Detroit."

True to Chrysler Group's advertising tagline, Jeep and Chrysler were two of the brands that grew the fastest last year when it comes to new car registrations around the country, Edmunds.com reports.

"Ever since it debuted its 'Imported from Detroit' ad during last year's Super Bowl, Chrysler has seen its popularity surge among car shoppers," says Jessica Caldwell, senior analyst at Edmunds.com. "Everyone likes a good comeback story

Overall, new car registrations grew 12% last year compared to 2010, according to the analysis. Jeep was up 55%, most of any brand, and corporate cousin Chrysler, was up 48%. Other big growers were Kia, 54%, and Mini and Hyundai, both 30%. Lexus, Toyota, Honda and Acura, which had supply problems last year because of natural disasters in overseas countries where they have factories, saw their new-car registrations fall.

Among the 10 largest U.S. markets, only three outpaced the national average of 12%. Chicago led the top 10 markets with 16% growth in 2011, followed by Los Angeles and Dallas-Fort Worth at 14% each. The New York market had the slowest growth among the top 10, with a year-over-year increase of just 4% percent.

SOURCE