Chrysler Group has reported a very slight year-on-year sales increase for February, just under 500 units up, although with the market climbing by a healthy 13.3 percent, the U.S. carmaker which is now under Fiat management continued to see its domestic market share slide. Chrysler Group reported total U.S. sales for February of 84,449 units, a slight increase versus the same time period last year (84,050 units) and a significant increase of 48 percent compared with January (57,143 units).

However Chrysler's two Detroit rivals powered away last month, Ford saw its new vehicle sales jumping by a highly significant 43.5 percent last month while General Motors was up by 12.7 percent, its data held up by the number of discontinued brands that show up in the figures. Chrysler's other rivals had a mixed month, Toyota, battered by a string of vehicle recalls, lost 8.7 percent year-on-year, while Honda (+12.7 percent) and Hyundai (+11.7 percent) made strong gains. Despite targeting potential Toyota buyers with incentives, Chrysler was the only one of the big carmakers selling in the U.S. to fail to capitalise on the Japanese firm's misfortunes.

Chrysler Group finished the month with 197,080 units in its inventory, a 44 percent decline compared with February 2009 (350,966 units). Overall industry figures for February are projected to come in at an estimated 10.6 million SAAR.

“Chrysler Group sales were up slightly this month, in line with the industry,” commented Fred Diaz, President and Chief Executive Officer–Ram Brand and Lead Executive for the Sales Organization, in a statement. “Compared with January, Chrysler Group’s February sales grew more than the industry average, reinforcing the company trend of steady, month-over-month growth.”

Chrysler February U.S. Sales Highlights

Car sales increased 38 percent compared with the previous year while the Chrysler Sebring (sedan and convertible), Chrysler 300, Chrysler Town & Country, Jeep Compass, Jeep Patriot, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Commander, Dodge Avenger, Dodge Grand Caravan and Dodge Charger all post year-over-year sales increases. Chrysler brand sales were up 9 percent year-on-year, Jeep brand sales increased 6 percent and Dodge brand sales improved 8 percent. All brands post sales increases compared with January, even the struggling Ram division was up 3 percent compared to January. Meanwhile Chrysler Sebring Sedan, Chrysler 300, Chrysler Town & Country, Jeep Wrangler, Jeep Compass, Jeep Patriot, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Commander, Dodge Avenger, Dodge Charger, Dodge Challenger, Dodge Grand Caravan and the all-new 2010 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty posted month-over-month sales increases.

“The 2010 Dodge Caliber Mainstreet and Jeep Wrangler Islander vehicles are arriving at dealer showrooms now,” said Diaz. “The 2010 model year Nitro Heat, Journey Crew and Dodge Grand Caravan Hero packages are open for ordering and will soon arrive at your local Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge and Ram dealer.”

Incentives

Although it relied very heavily on generous new incentives last month to keep sales steady, Chrysler is plunging on with more offers to keep its cars moving off the forecourts, announcing that March is “Truck Month,” as it seeks to slowdown rapidly failing sales of the Ram brand. Beginning today, consumers who purchase a 2010 model year Ram 1500 can receive a “no charge” HEMI engine, or $500 bonus cash towards the purchase of a Ram 1500 with a 3.7L or 4.7L engine. March also kicks off 0 percent "PLUS" on most 2010 model year vehicles with 3-year interest-free payments on most vehicles across its brands.