Chrysler Group Achieves 18th Consecutive Month of Sales Gains on 4 Percent Rise in Sales; Quarterly Sales Increase 12 Percent for Eighth Consecutive Quarterly Increase

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-Chrysler Group Sales Increase Year-Over-Year for 18 Consecutive Months
-Chrysler Group Quarterly Sales Increase for Eight Consecutive Quarters
-Dodge Ram Sales Establish Best Month Since 1999, Set All-Time Quarterly Record
-Chrysler Brand Quarterly Sales Increase 5 Percent, Establish New Quarterly Sales Record
-JeepĀ® Grand Cherokee Reports Quarterly Sales Increase of 43 Percent Year-Over-Year
-Jeep Commander and Dodge Charger Arriving at Dealerships Nationwide, Selling Briskly

Auburn Hills, Michigan, USA, October 03, 2005
Led by record September sales for the Dodge Ram pickup, Chrysler Group reported sales for September 2005 of 175,556 units, an increase of 4 percent over September 2004 sales of 168,744 units. September sales mark the 18th consecutive month and 23rd of 24 months of year-over-year sales gains. For the quarter, Chrysler Group posted sales gains of 12 percent compared to the third quarter 2004. Third quarter results improved to 602,787 units. Third quarter sales last year were 536,397 units. Chrysler Group third quarter results mark the eighth consecutive quarter of year-over-year sales increases.

"Despite the triple threat of rising fuel costs, devastating weather events and an uncertain economy, Chrysler Group delivered consistent monthly and quarterly results with a robust mix of 4, 6, and 8 cylinder products," said Gary Dilts, Senior Vice President - Sales, Chrysler Group. "Our significant growth in the small car segment, combined with the availability of HEMIĀ® engines with MDS on larger products, gives us confidence in the marketplace going forward for the remainder of the year."

Chrysler Group sales gains for the month and quarter were led by key segments such as small cars, pickup trucks, large cars and sport utility vehicles. All three Chrysler Group brands, Chrysler, JeepĀ® and Dodge, enjoyed quarterly sales increases.

Chrysler brand sales posted sales of 151,018 units, an increase of 5 percent over last year establishing a new quarterly record. JeepĀ® brand sales increased 28 percent compared to last year, posting sales of 130,059 units for the quarter. Dodge brand posted sales of 321,710 for the quarter, rising 10 percent compared to previous year results.

Small Cars
Small car sales increased 39 percent compared to last year results. Dodge Neon led the category with record September sales of 12,344 units, an increase of 69 percent over September 2004 results. Chrysler PT Cruiser posted sales of 11,742, setting a sales record for September and rising 24 percent over last year sales of 9,484 units.

Pickup Trucks
Sales of pickup trucks were led by the Dodge Ram, which posted its best results since 1999 and reached record sales of 35,502 units during September 2005, an increase of 5 percent compared to 33,690 units last year. For the quarter, Dodge Ram pickup trucks set an all-time record with sales of 122,893 units, an 11 percent increase over 2004 sales of 110,560 for the quarter.

The all-new 2006 Dodge Ram pickup with available best-in-class HEMIĀ® engine and Multi-Displacement System (MDS) offers customers the benefit of a completely redesigned interior and improved ride and handling along with fuel savings of up to 20 percent. The 2006 Dodge Ram pickup is currently shipping to dealers nationwide.

Dodge Dakota sales increased 7 percent to 8,921 units, an improvement over September 2004 sales of 8,365 units. For the quarter, Dodge Dakota posted sales of 30,694, an increase of 5 percent over third quarter sales of 29,326 units.

Dodge dealers across the country are beginning to receive the all-new Dodge Ram Mega Cab pickup that has best-in-class interior room and comfort while providing maximum power and payload capability.

Large Car
The Chrysler 300 continued its torrid sales pace, posting record sales of 12,283 units for the month, an increase of 10 percent over September 2004 sales. September marks the 16th month that the Chrysler 300 has surpassed 10,000 units in sales after 18 months in the marketplace.
Dodge Charger continues to arrive at dealerships and continues to perform well with September sales of 6,809 units, an increase of 36 percent over August 2005 sales.

Sport Utility Vehicles
Sales of SUVs were led by the entire JeepĀ® brand family of vehicles which posted sales of 33,120 units, an increase of 11 percent over September 2004 sales of 29,768 units. Jeep Wrangler sales set a new quarterly record, posting sales of 24,246 units, an increase of 29 percent over third quarter last year. For September, Jeep Grand Cherokee sales increased 15 percent, posting sales of 14,025 units compared to last year sales of 12,228 units. Quarterly sales of Jeep Grand Cherokee increased 43 percent compared to last year, posting sales of 56,287 units. Third quarter 2004 sales were 39,473 units.

"The steady, constant pace of product launches we have brought to market has enabled us to reach two years of consistent monthly and consecutive quarterly results," said Dilts. "We plan to keep launching new, head-turning products in every category and at the same pace that will connect with customers and bring them into our showrooms."

Chrysler Group finished the month with 578,907 units of inventory or a 82-day supply.

 

Chrysler seems to be doing great, especially Jeep!


-Matt-