Chrysler LLC models to turn in good sales performances during March included the Dodge Ram (top), Jeep Wrangler (middle) and Dodge Journey (bottom).

As Chrysler and Fiat race against time to put the all building blocks of their proposed global alliance in place by the end of April there has been some slight light at the end of the tunnel in regard to Chrysler's continually collapsing car sales as last month they breached the 100,000 unit sales mark for the first time in six months in the United States. Its total sales, spread across the Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep brands, in March was 101,001 units, the best performance since last September.

Chrysler's sales in March were actually down 29 percent year-on-year which compared well to US market leader General Motors which was down 45 percent with 155,334 vehicles sold, and Ford which was down 41 percent with 131,102 units during March. Toyota's 132,802 units shifted in March put the US market's biggest non-domestic brand down 39 percent but slightly ahead of Ford. Month-on-month Chrysler was also the biggest gainer amongst the biggest four groups, it was 51 percent up during March compared to February, while GM was up 23 percent, Ford was up 30 percent and Toyota was up 36 percent. However Chrysler's figures come at a cost as incentives continue to see its cars leaving the forecourts at unsustainable prices.

Key models to stand out in Chrysler's March US sales performance included the Dodge Ram which saw its sales up 34 percent compared with February, 2009, the Jeep Wrangler with sales up 16 percent from March, 2008, and the Dodge Journey with its sales up 127 percent from March, 2008.

Fleet sales were down by 44 percent as Chrysler chooses to focus on retail over fleet sales, while, according to Chrysler, internal warranty data shows that it has achieved the lowest claim rate in its history with a 30 percent improvement over the past 12 months.

Chrysler has extended its incentives for another month and the Employee Pricing Plus Plus program has been extended to April 30th. This offers employee pricing to all customers purchasing or leasing a new Chrysler, Jeep or Dodge. Chrysler is also bringing back 0 percent financing for 48 months through Chrysler Financial on select products while customers will also be eligible for cash discounts of up to US$3,500 for 2009 model year vehicles. Also to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Chrysler's minivans, customers can add at no charge a DVD player on Chrysler Town & Country or Dodge Grand Caravan.