There was very little positive to report last month from any of the Chrysler Group divisions', with only Dodge's Caravan (above) posting an 8 percent sales increase and the Avenger up by 13 percent rise.

Just hours ahead of the unveiling of the Fiat-derived five-year strategy plan, Chrysler Group has reported another big slump in sales: during October its four brands sold a combined total of 65,803 units in the United States which was down 30 percent year-on-year. There was very little positive to report from any of the divisions, with only Dodge's Caravan (+ 8 percent) and Avenger (+13 percent) posting a year-on-year increase in its sales; however the total U.S. sales figures for the Group were up 6 percent compared with the last month (September) although as this period fell immediately after the end of the government-funded "cash-for-clunkers" incentive scheme the picture here is distorted.

The company finished the month with 159,428 units in inventory, representing a 68-day supply. Inventory is down 60 percent versus October 2008 when it totalled 395,996 units. Overall industry figures in the U.S. for October are projected to come in at an estimated 10.4 million SAAR.

“The industry showed signs of improvement this month with increasing sales, which is a trend we expect to continue for the remainder of the year,” said Fred Diaz, President and Chief Executive Officer–Ram Brand and Lead Executive for the Sales Organization, Chrysler Group LLC. “Chrysler Group expects to get its fair share of the increases as November and December traditionally are two of the best months for SUV sales, and the Jeep brand offers customers the best SUVs in the marketplace.”

October Brand U.S. Sales Highlights

Dodge Car Brand sales (26,265 units) though increased 24 percent compared with the previous month, September 2009. Six out of nine Dodge Car Brand vehicles posted sales increases compared with the previous month: Dodge Avenger, up 48 percent; Dodge Challenger, up 35 percent; Dodge Viper, up 47 percent; Dodge Journey, up 23 percent, Dodge Nitro up 26 percent and Dodge Grand Caravan, up 119 percent. Dodge Avenger and Dodge Grand Caravan post year-over-year sales increases of 13 percent and 8 percent respectively. Chrysler Brand vehicles post a 42 percent increase (12,815 units) compared with September 2009. Chrysler Sebring sales (2,219 units) increased 75 percent versus September 2009. Chrysler Sebring Convertible sales increased 77 percent versus the previous month.

Ram Truck Brand saw Dodge Dakota sales increase 29 percent versus September. Production of the all-new 2010 Ram Heavy Duty pickup has begun, and trucks will start arriving in U.S. dealerships just in time for the holidays. Three Jeep Brand vehicles saw retail sales increases in October compared with September 2009. The three vehicles are: Jeep Compass, Jeep Patriot and Jeep Commander.

Mopar U.S. net sales were down 6 percent compared with September 2009, reflecting challenging market conditions. In October, Mopar announced hundreds of new products, including: live mobile TV with up to 20 channels and, for racing and off-road enthusiasts, new crate engines, long blocks and aluminium HEMI engine blocks (December availability). The brand also announced the opening of the Mopar eStore later this month where consumers will have the opportunity to conveniently order parts and accessories online and have them delivered directly to their doorstep by the nearest dealer.

Incentives

Chrysler Group LLC today announced it was furthering its “Invest in America” partnership with more than 2,000 credit unions in the United States by offering preferred pricing on eligible Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge and Ram Truck vehicles through Nov. 30 to the more than 90 million credit union members.