Chrysler sales in April increased 25% vs. 2009

Chrysler Group LLC on May 3 reported a U.S. sales increase of 25 percent, the best year-over-year percentage sales improvement for the company in almost five years. In addition, the company continued its trend of month-over-month sales increases in 2010, up 3 percent vs. March 2010.

“April was a very positive month for Chrysler Group, with concrete results that highlight the company is on-track and gaining momentum,” said Fred Diaz, president and chief executive officer for Ram Truck Brand and lead executive for the sales organization. “Today we reported sales increased 25 percent compared with April 2009, building on the news from April 21 that the company posted an operating profit of $143 million for the first quarter 2010.”

Chrysler Group LLC reported total U.S. sales for April of 95,703 units, an increase of 25 percent vs. April 2009 (76,682 units). Sales increased 3 percent compared with March 2010 (92,623 units). Chrysler Group finished the month with a 53-day supply of inventory (196,614 units), a 42 percent decline versus April 2009 (336,913 units). Overall, U.S. industry sales figures for April are projected at an estimated 11.5 SAAR.

“We are proud of our Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge and Ram truck dealers, who supported the new company from day one,” added Diaz. “They are as excited about our future as we are, and their enthusiasm is spreading to consumers, resulting in increasing showroom traffic and sales.”

April U.S. Sales Highlights

• Dodge Brand sales (38,795 units) were up 61 percent compared with April 2009 (24,070 units)
• Dodge Challenger sales (3,713 units) increased 42 percent vs. last year (2,619 units) and set a new monthly sales record for the Dodge Challenger
• Dodge Grand Caravan sales (10,435 units) improved 56 percent compared with the same time period last year (6,687 units)
• Dodge Avenger sales increased by triple-digit percentages vs. April 2009
• Dodge Charger sales increase 90 percent compared with the same time period last year
• Dodge Caliber sales (3,671 units) were up 44 percent compared with last year
• Dodge Nitro increased sales (1,536 units) 14 percent vs. the same time period last year
• Chrysler Brand sales (22,386 units) increased 61 percent vs. April 2009 (13,874 units)
• Chrysler Sebring (sedan and convertible) both posted triple-digit percentage increases compared with April 2009
• Chrysler 300 sales (4,127 units) were up 40 percent vs. last year (2,946 units)
• Chrysler Town & Country minivan sales (13,367 units) improved 80 percent compared with April 2009 (7,443 units)
• Jeep Compass sales (1,443 units) were up triple digits vs. April 2009 (712 units)
• Jeep Patriot sales (2,404 units) improved 21 percent compared with last year (1,983 units)
• Jeep Liberty (3,490 units) sales increase 6 percent vs. April 2009
• Dodge Dakota improved sales 36 percent vs. April 2009
• Dodge Ram Heavy Duty pickup truck sales improved 13 percent compared with April 2009

“With competitively priced vehicles that customers want to purchase, the company was able to reduce incentive spending compared with last year, while posting improved sales,” said Diaz. “But we aren’t resting on this month’s results. We are hungry to continue building on the sales improvements – we are just getting started.”

Sales Chart