While its domestic sales and market share continued to slide unabated last month there was however a small bright spot as Chrysler sold 11,465 vehicles outside North America in January, a year-on-year increase of 9 percent. This improvement is the first year-over-year sales increase in 20 months since the company, 20 percent owned by Fiat, reported a 5 percent increase in May 2008.

Vehicle sales in China increased 132 percent year-over-year and Colombia and Chile reported their best January ever. Compared to January 2009, the Jeep brand increased sales 16 percent, the Chrysler brand improved 7 percent and the Dodge brand posted a 4 percent increase.

“We are glad to see this gradual recovery and return of stability to our key markets outside the U.S. After a very tough year, this bodes well for the future and is in line with our expectations. We confidently expect to solidify our international business this year, as we benefit even further from our alliance with the Fiat Group,” said Mike Manley, President and Chief Executive Officer – Jeep Brand, Chrysler Group LLC and Lead Executive for the International Organization.

Regional Sales

In the Asia Pacific region, Chrysler Group sold 2,967 vehicles, a 55 percent increase compared to January 2009. China was the market leader for the region and the company with 1,871 vehicles sold. Combined sales in Africa, Middle East, Eastern Europe and Russia also improved 55 percent compared to the prior year. The company sold 2,631 vehicles in the region. In Latin America, Chrysler Group sold 2,357 vehicles in January. Sales volumes decreased 9 percent due to economic turmoil in some key markets. Puerto Rico was the market leader with 585 vehicles sold, an increase of 31 percent compared to the prior year. In Western and Central Europe, Chrysler Group sold 3,400 vehicles, a 21 percent decrease compared to January 2009. Italy was the market leader with 877 vehicles sold.

Brand Sales

The Jeep brand sold 5,265 vehicles outside North America in January. The Jeep Wrangler led the brand and the company with 1,793 vehicles sold, a 72 percent increase compared to the prior year. The Dodge brand sold 3,687 vehicles outside North America. The Dodge Journey led the brand with 1,745 vehicles, an improvement of 47 percent compared to January 2009. The Chrysler brand sold 2,236 vehicles outside North America. The Chrysler 300C Sedan led the brand with 925 vehicles sold, an increase of 109 percent compared to the previous year. The Ram brand sold 277 vehicles in January. The Ram brand is sold in select markets outside North America. Chrysler Group sells and services vehicles in more than 120 countries around the world.