U.S. October sales rise 6% vs. September

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U.S. October sales rise 6% vs. September

Posted Tuesday, Nov 3, 2009, 3:38 pm in Company

Last modified on Tuesday, Nov 3, 2009, 4:15 pm.



Chrysler Group LLC today reported a 6 percent increase in total U.S. sales compared with September 2009. Chrysler and Dodge brands reported month-over-month increases.

Chrysler Group reported total U.S. sales for October of 65,803 units, an increase of 6 percent compared with September and a decrease of 30 percent compared with the same time period in 2008. The company finished the month with 159,428 units in inventory, representing a 68-day supply. Inventory is down 60 percent versus October 2008 when it totaled 395,996 units. Overall industry figures for October are projected to come in at an estimated 10.4 million SAAR.

“The industry showed signs of improvement this month with increasing sales, which is a trend we expect to continue for the remainder of the year,” said Fred Diaz, President and Chief Executive Officer–Ram Brand and Lead Executive for the Sales Organization, Chrysler Group LLC. “Chrysler Group expects to get its fair share of the increases as November and December traditionally are two of the best months for SUV sales, and the Jeep® brand offers customers the best SUVs in the marketplace.”

October brand U.S. sales highlights

- Dodge Car Brand sales (26,265 units) increased 24 percent compared with September 2009

- Six out of nine Dodge Car Brand vehicles posted sales increases compared with the previous month: Dodge Avenger, up 48 percent; Dodge Challenger, up 35 percent; Dodge Viper, up 47 percent; Dodge Journey, up 23 percent, Dodge Nitro up 26 percent and Dodge Grand Caravan, up 119 percent
Dodge Avenger and Dodge Grand Caravan post year-over-year sales increases of 13 percent and 8 percent respectively

- Chrysler Brand vehicles post a 42 percent increase (12,815 units) compared with September 2009

- Chrysler Sebring sales (2,219 units) increased 75 percent versus September 2009

- Chrysler Sebring Convertible sales increased 77 percent versus the previous month

- Ram Truck Brand saw Dodge Dakota sales increase 29 percent versus September

- Production of the all-new 2010 Ram Heavy Duty pickup has begun, and trucks will start arriving in U.S. dealerships just in time for the holidays

- Three Jeep Brand vehicles saw retail sales increases in October compared with September 2009. The three vehicles are: Jeep Compass, Jeep Patriot and Jeep Commander

- Mopar U.S. net sales were down 6 percent compared with September 2009, reflecting challenging market conditions

In October, Mopar announced hundreds of new products, including: live mobile TV with up to 20 channels and, for racing and off-road enthusiasts, new crate engines, long blocks and aluminum HEMI® engine blocks (December availability)

The brand also announced the opening of the Mopar eStore later this month at Mopar - Authentic Performance, Accessories, Service & Parts, where consumers will have the opportunity to conveniently order parts and accessories online and have them delivered directly to their doorstep by the nearest dealer.

Incentives
Chrysler Group LLC today announced it was furthering its “Invest in America” partnership with more than 2,000 credit unions in the United States by offering preferred pricing on eligible Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge and Ram Truck vehicles through Nov. 30 to the more than 90 million credit union members.

In addition, Chrysler Group LLC announced the following incentives, valid through Nov. 30, 2009.

2010 Model Year Vehicles

Chrysler Brand

Chrysler brand announces a variety of incentive programs to fit almost any need offering consumers various combinations of attractive financing rates and consumer cash.

Starting Nov. 4, Chrysler offers attractive financing rates, including 0 percent interest for up to 48 months, along with a no-cost service/maintenance program for three years/36,000 miles
The no-cost maintenance program includes full mechanical coverage, most scheduled maintenance, including oil changes, roadside assistance, trip interruption and alternate transportation when the vehicle is being serviced. Consumers should visit their local Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge dealer for full details of the no-cost maintenance program
Qualified consumers can choose low APR financing, including 0 percent for up to 48 months, on select 2010 model year vehicles through GMAC Financial Services, or consumer cash of up to $2,500

Jeep Brand

Beginning today, the Jeep brand announces the following incentives:
Starting November 4, Jeep offers attractive financing rates, including 0 percent interest for up to 48 months, along with a no-cost service/maintenance program for three years/36,000 miles
Qualified consumers can choose low APR financing, including 0 percent for up to 60 months or consumer cash of up to $3,000
Current Jeep vehicle owners also are eligible for $500 Owner Loyalty Bonus Cash

Dodge Car Brand

Dodge Car Brand is offering consumers:
A combination of attractive financing rates as low as 0 percent for up to 48 months and consumer cash of up to $1,000
Low financing rates for qualified customers, including 0 percent financing for up to 48 months or consumer cash of up to $2,000

Ram Truck Brand

Ram Truck Brand is offering consumers:
A combination of attractive financing rates as low as 0 percent for up to 48 months and consumer cash of up to $1,000
Low financing rates for qualified customers, including 0 percent financing for up to 48 months or consumer cash of up to $3,500

Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge and Ram dealers continue to offer competitive lease rates on all 2010 model year vehicles. Featured vehicles with special lease rates through Nov. 30, 2009 are: Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Journey, Jeep Liberty and Wrangler and Ram 1500.

2009 Model Year Vehicles

A limited number of 2009 model year Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge and Ram vehicles are available with a combination of consumer cash and attractive financing rates.

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Chrysler Group LLC U.S. Sales Summary Thru October 2009

-------------------------------------------------------

Month Sales Vol % Sales CYTD Vol %

Model Curr Yr Page Ranking Yr Change Curr Yr Pr Yr Change

----- ------- ----- ------ ------- ----- ------

Sebring 2,548 3,772 -32% 19,979 65,200 -69%

300 2,914 3,415 -15% 32,236 55,222 -42%

Crossfire 0 253 -100% 499 1,819 -73%

PT Cruiser 135 3,145 -96% 16,895 45,490 -63%

Aspen 54 1,045 -95% 5,906 18,726 -68%

Pacifica 0 606 -100% 1,955 6,227 -69%

Town & Country 7,164 7,667 -7% 68,879 102,954 -33%

CHRYSLER BRAND 12,815 19,903 -36% 146,349 295,638 -50%

-------------- ------ ------ --- ------- ------- ---

Compass 327 855 -62% 10,352 23,244 -55%

Patriot 1,148 3,252 -65% 26,744 50,596 -47%

Wrangler 5,305 6,292 -16% 70,350 71,427 -2%

Liberty 2,725 3,918 -30% 35,378 58,211 -39%

Grand Cherokee 3,256 5,638 -42% 43,146 62,971 -31%

Commander 739 1,405 -47% 9,582 24,059 -60%

JEEP BRAND 13,500 21,360 -37% 195,552 290,508 -33%

---------- ------ ------ --- ------- ------- ---

Caliber 583 4,438 -87% 30,397 78,507 -61%

Avenger 4,221 3,723 13% 31,552 57,551 -45%

Charger 4,864 6,255 -22% 50,974 86,475 -41%

Challenger 2,398 3,014 -20% 21,276 11,457 86%

Viper 28 87 -68% 395 959 -59%

Magnum 0 56 -100% 113 6,833 -98%

Journey 3,678 4,380 -16% 41,520 40,007 4%

Caravan 9,020 8,369 8% 73,932 110,767 -33%

Nitro 1,426 2,457 -42% 15,071 32,528 -54%

Durango 47 984 -95% 3,463 18,323 -81%

DODGE BRAND 26,265 33,763 -22% 268,693 443,407 -39%

----------- ------ ------ --- ------- ------- ---

Dakota 515 957 -46% 9,409 22,583 -58%

Ram P/U 12,262 17,626 -30% 155,467 213,684 -27%

Sprinter 446 921 -52% 5,849 12,229 -52%

RAM BRAND 13,223 19,504 -32% 170,725 248,496 -31%

--------- ------ ------ --- ------- ------- ---

TOTAL CHRYSLER

GROUP LLC 65,803 94,530 -30% 781,319 1,278,049 -39%

TOTAL CAR 17,556 25,014 -30% 187,423 365,115 -49%

TOTAL TRUCK 48,247 69,516 -31% 593,896 912,934 -35%

Selling Days 28 27 257 257

------------ -- -- --- ---

Source: Chrysler Group LLC