Chrysler Group LLC on October 1 reported total U.S. sales of 62,197 units, a decrease of 42 percent compared with September 2008. The company finished the month with 138,456 units in inventory, representing a 56-day supply. Inventory is down 64 percent vs. September 2008 when it totaled 381,365 units. Overall industry sales figures for September are projected to come in at an estimated 9.4 million SAAR.
The Jeep Wrangler continued its strong sales trend in September with 6,002 units sold, a 7 percent increase compared with August 2009. Wrangler continues to be tops in market share in the compact sport-utility vehicle (SUV) segment.
In addition to Jeep Wrangler’s strong showing in September, Jeep Grand Cherokee sales (5,601 units) increased 23 percent compared with the same time period in 2008.
Dodge Challenger sales (1,778 units) increased 57 percent compared with August 2009, and the Dodge Charger saw increased sales (7,507 units) of 16 percent compared with August 2009.
Mopar U.S. net sales were even compared with August 2009, balancing tough market conditions with the launch of several campaigns that were successfully implemented through the full commitment of the dealer network. Digital owners’ manuals were announced for all 2010 model-year vehicles, a move that will save 930 tons of paper or 20,000 trees annually. Buyers of 2010 Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles will receive a digitized owner’s manual on a DVD and a full-color guide, eliminating the bulky paper version. Separately, at the Frankfurt Motor Show last month, Mopar showcased a “Moparized” Jeep Wrangler Unlimited and a Jeep Liberty.
“While we had some bright spots in September, it was still a challenging sales environment for the industry,” said Peter Fong, president and chief executive officer – Chrysler Brand and lead executive for the sales organization, Chrysler Group LLC. “Low inventories of popular models at the start of the month hampered Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge sales, however, the company responded with increased production. The company finished the month with increased market share compared with August 2009. We believe the remainder of 2009 will continue to be a challenge for the U.S. automotive market. Credit markets have thawed slightly, but still remain tight, and consumer confidence, as we saw in September, is tenuous.”
Sales Chart
Chrysler Group LLC U.S. Sales Summary Thru September 2009
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Month Sales Vol % Sales CYTD Vol %
Model Curr Yr Pr Yr Change Curr Yr Pr Yr Change
----- ------- ----- ------ ------- ----- ------
Sebring 1,451 5,450 -73% 17,431 61,428 -72%
300 3,411 4,287 -20% 29,322 51,807 -43%
Crossfire 127 113 12% 499 1,566 -68%
PT Cruiser 258 2,410 -89% 16,760 42,345 -60%
Aspen 143 1,313 -89% 5,852 17,681 -67%
Pacifica 45 544 -92% 1,955 5,621 -65%
Town & Country 3,611 9,229 -61% 61,715 95,287 -35%
CHRYSLER BRAND 9,046 23,346 -61% 133,534 275,735 -52%
-------------- ----- ------ --- ------- ------- ---
Compass 101 993 -90% 10,025 22,389 -55%
Patriot 1,377 3,190 -57% 25,596 47,344 -46%
Wrangler 6,002 6,130 -2% 65,045 65,135 0%
Liberty 2,715 4,963 -45% 32,653 54,293 -40%
Grand Cherokee 5,601 4,565 23% 39,890 57,333 -30%
Commander 1,491 1,590 -6% 8,843 22,654 -61%
JEEP BRAND 17,287 21,431 -19% 182,052 269,148 -32%
---------- ------ ------ --- ------- ------- ---
Caliber 654 6,129 -89% 29,814 74,069 -60%
Avenger 2,859 4,500 -36% 27,331 53,828 -49%
Charger 7,507 8,118 -8% 46,110 80,220 -43%
Challenger 1,778 2,376 -25% 18,878 8,443 124%
Viper 19 86 -78% 367 872 -58%
Magnum 0 35 -100% 113 6,777 -98%
Dakota 399 622 -36% 8,894 21,626 -59%
Ram P/U 13,452 20,812 -35% 143,205 196,058 -27%
Journey 2,989 4,860 -38% 37,842 35,627 6%
Caravan 4,112 11,056 -63% 64,912 102,398 -37%
Durango 162 616 -74% 3,416 17,339 -80%
Nitro 1,135 2,531 -55% 13,645 30,071 -55%
Sprinter 798 831 -4% 5,403 11,308 -52%
DODGE BRAND 35,864 62,572 -43% 399,930 638,636 -37%
----------- ------ ------ --- ------- ------- ---
TOTAL CHRYSLER
GROUP LLC 62,197 107,349 -42% 715,516 1,183,519 -40%
TOTAL CAR 17,806 31,099 -43% 169,867 340,101 -50%
TOTAL TRUCK 44,391 76,250 -42% 545,649 843,418 -35%
----------- ------ ------ --- ------- ------- ---
Selling Days 25 24 229 230
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