AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Oct. 1 /PRNewswire/ --
-- Chrysler LLC celebrates 25th anniversary of minivan leadership
-- Sales increase for Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan
-- Chrysler Sebring Convertible posts strong sales for the month
-- Sales of the fuel-efficient Dodge Caliber continue at a steady pace
-- All-new Dodge Journey continues as a hit in the crossover segment
-- 2008 model-year Dodge Ram light-duty truck sales make way for new
2009 model
-- October incentives offer best deals of the year on remaining
2008 models
Chrysler LLC today reported total September 2008 U.S. sales of 107,349 units, down 33 percent from the same period last year. Total September sales reflect a highly volatile economic environment, ongoing segment shifts and reduced fleet and lease volume. Sales for the month were supported by models such as the Dodge Journey, Dodge Grand Caravan, and Chrysler Town & Country, as well as competitive pricing and aggressive monthly payment offers.
"The economy is going through a difficult restructuring, resulting in great uncertainty among consumers," Jim Press, Chrysler LLC Vice Chairman and President, said. "We are committed to supporting our customers with significant savings and innovative financing, and our dealers with new business solutions. Longer term, we all need to be investing in building a healthier automobile industry and be ready to compete when the economy strengthens."
October Incentives
This month's incentives provide consumers an opportunity to take advantage of the remaining 2008 model-year inventory at the best deals of the year. The incentive plan will focus on aggressive cash positions and discounted APR financing that drive lower monthly payments. For example on the remaining inventory of the 2008 model-year Dodge Ram, there are total manufacturer discounts up to $6,000 or 0 percent APR financing for 72 months with $1,000 cash back.
For returning lease customers, Chrysler will offer Lease Loyalty allowance of up to $750 toward a new retail purchase. For consumers interested in leasing through independent financial institutions, Chrysler offers Bonus Cash of up to $2,000 on select 2008 model-year vehicles.
September Sales Highlights
Chrysler LLC's minivan sales continued to thrive in September based on their strong appeal as fuel efficient, multi-passenger vehicles. Compared with September sales in 2007, the Chrysler Town & Country achieved a 6 percent increase with sales of 9,229 units, and the Dodge Grand Caravan increased 6 percent with sales of 11,056 units. With more than 12 million minivans sold worldwide in their 25-year history, Chrysler and Dodge minivans still command 40 percent of the U.S. minivan market.
The mid-size Chrysler Sebring Convertible continues to resonate well in the market, achieving an 11 percent increase with 1,813 units in September.
Offering the versatility of a sport-utility vehicle (SUV) and the affordability and fuel efficiency of a compact car, the Dodge Caliber posted sales of 6,129 units, down 3 percent over last year's total of 6,348 units. However, when compared with August 2008 sales, the Caliber's sales increased by 52 percent.
The all-new Dodge Journey continues to make its mark in the crossover segment offering best-in-class fuel economy (19 mpg city/25 mpg highway) and award-winning seven-passenger interior utility. The Dodge Journey reached 4,860 units, up 6 percent when compared with August 2008 sales.
The sell-down of 2008 Dodge Ram pickups has progressed and made way for the all-new 2009 model arriving at dealers in October. The 2009 model-year Dodge Ram offers a best-in-class combination of power and fuel efficiency with a base starting price of $22,170 (regular cab, includes destination).
The Company finished the month with 381,365 units of inventory, or a 85- day supply. As part of a planned reduction in manufacturing capacity, inventory is down 15 percent compared with September 2007 when it totaled 450,733 units.
About Chrysler LLC
Chrysler LLC, headquartered in Auburn Hills, Mich., produces Chrysler, Jeep(R), Dodge and Mopar(R) brand vehicles and products. Total sales worldwide in 2007 were 2.7 million vehicles, including an increase of 15 percent outside of North America. Its product lineup features some of the world's most recognizable vehicles, including the Chrysler 300 and Town & Country, Jeep Wrangler and Grand Che{{{Cherokee and Dodge Challenger and Ram. The Chrysler Foundation, the company's philanthropic arm, annually supports hundreds of charitable organizations in the United States and throughout the world. In 2007, the Foundation gave approximately $21 million in charitable donations.
Chrysler LLC U.S. Sales Summary Thru September 2008
Month Sales Vol %
Model Curr Yr Pr Yr Change
Sebring 5,450 6,057 -10%
300 4,287 9,231 -54%
Crossfire 113 501 -77%
PT Cruiser 2,410 6,140 -61%
Aspen 1,313 3,875 -66%
Pacifica 544 4,183 -87%
Town & Country 9,229 8,681 6%
CHRYSLER BRAND 23,346 38,668 -40%
Compass 993 2,852 -65%
Patriot 3,190 4,245 -25%
Wrangler 6,130 8,605 -29%
Liberty 4,963 6,830 -27%
Grand Che{{{Cherokee 4,565 10,419 -56%
Commander 1,590 4,509 -65%
JEEP BRAND 21,431 37,460 -43%
Caliber 6,129 6,348 -3%
Avenger 4,500 8,318 -46%
Charger 8,118 9,265 -12%
Challenger 2,376 0 0%
Viper 86 24 258%
Magnum 35 3,628 -99%
Dakota 622 4,188 -85%
Ram P/U 20,812 30,100 -31%
Journey 4,860 0 0%
Caravan 11,056 10,417 6%
Durango 616 2,850 -78%
Nitro 2,531 7,044 -64%
Sprinter 831 1,489 -44%
DODGE BRAND 62,572 83,671 -25%TOTAL CHRYSLER LLC 107,349 159,799 -33%
TOTAL CAR 31,099 43,681 -29%
TOTAL TRUCK 76,250 116,118 -34%
Selling Days 24 25
Sales CYTD Vol %
Model Curr Yr Pr Yr Change
Sebring 61,428 68,277 -10%
300 51,807 90,251 -43%
Crossfire 1,566 8,290 -81%
PT Cruiser 42,345 77,383 -45%
Aspen 17,681 22,468 -21%
Pacifica 5,621 42,874 -87%
Town & Country 95,287 99,134 -4%
CHRYSLER BRAND 275,735 408,677 -33%
Compass 22,389 31,273 -28%
Patriot 47,344 27,612 71%
Wrangler 65,135 92,549 -30%
Liberty 54,293 68,865 -21%
Grand Che{{{Cherokee 57,333 93,246 -39%
Commander 22,654 50,124 -55%
JEEP BRAND 269,148 363,669 -26%
Caliber 74,069 80,352 -8%
Avenger 53,828 59,148 -9%
Charger 80,220 89,490 -10%
Challenger 8,443 0 0%
Viper 872 348 151%
Magnum 6,777 22,342 -70%
Dakota 21,626 41,376 -48%
Ram P/U 196,058 276,978 -29%
Journey 35,627 0 0%
Caravan 102,398 130,472 -22%
Durango 17,339 37,511 -54%
Nitro 30,071 55,789 -46%
Sprinter 11,308 11,193 1%
DODGE BRAND 638,636 806,477 -21%
TOTAL CHRYSLER LLC 1,183,519 1,578,823 -25%
TOTAL CAR 340,101 429,876 -21%
TOTAL TRUCK 843,418 1,148,947 -27%
Selling Days 230 230
Chrysler LLC