Chrysler South Africa (Pty) Ltd, importers of Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles as well as MOPAR branded parts and accessories has continued its already impressive 2009 sales drive, recording 413 units for the month of May (421 including exports). Whilst this figure is down 16 percent compared to the same period last year, it represents a 50 percent better-than-market performance; the market decline for May is 34 percent year-on-year.

This strong sales performance in South Africa bucks the trend of the parent company in the North American new vehicle markets where it has seen sales collapsing this year as the manufacturer failed and was placed into Chapter 11 administration at the end of April. This news comes just as the new Chrysler Group is expected to emerge from the resulting managed bankruptcy procedure today after the U.S. Supreme Court's last night dismissed the petition of the remaining objecting creditors that have been seeking through the courts to prevent the sale of Chrysler's key assets to a new group led by Fiat and a union retiree healthcare fund from going ahead.

“Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge dealerships have upped their game and through a number of aggressive marketing strategies, have managed to win over many new customers, more so than in any other month during 2009” said Guy Franken, group brand and communications manager at Chrysler SA. “Our unique Employee Plus Plus campaign was a huge success and allowed buyers the opportunity to purchase a new Chrysler, Jeep or Dodge at prices previously only available to staff members on private purchases. We intend adding to this strategy by offering the buying public additional great deals on all our new product lines, such as the Discover Dodge campaign” continued Guy. Further attractive sales incentives will continue to be offered by Chrysler SA and their dealerships.