Chrysler reports a 6% increase in U.S. vehicle sales

Chrysler Group LLC on November 3 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 vs. 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 for 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.”

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 vs. September 2009
  • Chrysler Sebring Convertible sales increased 77 percent vs. 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 www.mopar.com, 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