Chrysler vehicle sales in July improved 5% vs. July 2009

Chrysler Group LLC on August 3 reported U.S. sales of 93,313, a 5 percent increase compared with sales in July 2009 (88,900 units). July represents the fourth consecutive month of year-over-year sales increases.

“The all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee is drawing customers into our showrooms, setting the pace and standard for our company, and generating positive reviews both nationally and internationally,” said Fred Diaz, president and chief executive officer – Ram Truck Brand and lead executive for U.S. sales. “We’re gaining some real traction with the all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee, and we look forward to the same when we revamp the remaining 75 percent of our nameplates by year end.”

Chrysler Group finished the month with a 55-day supply of inventory (191,000 units). U.S. industry sales figures for July are projected at an estimated 11.6 SAAR.

The all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee is arriving in dealerships in greater numbers. Chrysler Group – at the end of this month – will begin to reveal the rest of its 16 all-new or significantly refreshed vehicles. This aggressive, steady cadence of new vehicles will continue through the remainder of this year.

July 2010 U.S. Sales Highlights by Brand

Jeep Brand
The Jeep Brand posted a 19 percent year-over-year increase in July as the all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee arrived in dealerships in greater numbers. Jeep Grand Cherokee sales were up 54 percent in July, versus July 2009, and were up 86 percent compared with last month, as the all-new Grand Cherokee resonates with consumers and continues to generate positive reviews in the media. The iconic Jeep Wrangler had a triple digit percentage increase in sales during July. Jeep Liberty also had a strong month as sales increased 70 percent. Women drivers ranked Jeep dealers No. 2 overall in Women-Drivers.com’s report of Top Auto Brands. Women rated dealers on their experience during vehicle purchase, while just browsing and having their vehicles serviced.

Dodge Brand
Dodge Challenger sales were up 317 percent in July, compared to the same month in 2009. Dodge Challenger’s July 2 return to NASCAR Nationwide Series’ competition racing, after more than a 30-year absence, has generated mounting consumer interest in the vehicle. Challenger also shared the top spot in the “Specialty Coupe” category in Strategic Vision Inc.’s 2010 Total Quality Index study, which measures the complete ownership experience. Dodge Charger sales also increased by a triple digit percentage during July. The three new Dodge Nitro lifestyle models – Detonator, Heat and Shock – continue to drive Dodge Nitro sales, up 96 percent in July. The Dodge Journey crossover also did well, driven in part by the popularity of the all-wheel-drive model, with sales up 11 percent in July.

Ram Brand
The Ram Brand posted an 11 percent year-over-year increase in July, compared to the same month in 2009. Ram pickup truck sales increased 14 percent in July, fueled in part by the success of the Ram Heavy Duty, Motor Trend’s 2010 Truck of the Year. Ram Heavy Duty sales were up 89 percent in July, with the Crew Cab and Quad Cab models being the most popular choices. Dodge Dakota sales were up 49 percent in July, while sales of Ram Cab Chassis, redesigned for 2011, had its best sales month ever in July.

Chrysler Brand
Chrysler Town & Country, winner this year of the ninth-consecutive R.L. Polk & Co.’s “Automotive Loyalty Award” in the minivan segment, posted a sales increase of 18 percent in July. Chrysler Sebring sedan and convertible sales were up a combined 11 percent.

July U.S. Sales Highlights

• Jeep Brand sales (26,466 units) increased 19 percent vs. the same month last year (22,276 units)
• Jeep Grand Cherokee sales (5,407 units) were up 54 percent compared with July 2009 (3,520 units)
• Jeep Wrangler sales (10,043 units) improved 121 percent vs. July 2009 (4,540 units)
• Jeep Liberty sales (4,893 units) increased 70 percent compared with July last year (2,874 units)
• Dodge Challenger sales (3,695 units) improved 317 percent compared with July 2009 (886 units)
• Dodge Charger sales (6,023 units) were up 126 percent vs. July of last year (2,663 units)
• Dodge Journey sales (4610 units) increased 11 percent compared with July 2009 (4,165 units)
• Dodge Nitro sales (2,186 units) improved 96 percent vs. July 2009 (1,115 units)
• Chrysler Sebring (sedan and convertible) sales (3,092 units) were up 11 percent vs. July 2009 (2,781 units)
• Chrysler Town & Country minivan sales (8,083 units) improved 18 percent compared with July 2009 (6,837 units)
• Ram pickup truck sales (20,138 units) increased 14 percent in July, compared with July 2009 (17,723 units)
• Ram Heavy Duty pickup truck sales increased 89 percent vs. July 2009
• Dodge Dakota sales (1,088 units) were up 49 percent compared with the same time period last year (730 units)

Sales Chart