"No question 2009 was a difficult year for Detroit, but this year is different," said Reid Bigland President and CEO Chrysler Canada. "On top of a Chrysler Group LLC $143 million (U.S.) operating profit in the first quarter, April was our fifth consecutive month of retail sales growth in excess of 20 per cent, and it feels good."

Sales Highlights

Sixteen Chrysler Canada vehicles posted sales increases versus April last year, with car sales up 29 per cent, and truck sales increasing 36 per cent. Two Chrysler Canada vehicles were among the top five selling vehicles in the country in April, the Dodge Grand Caravan (No. 2 position) and the Ram Pickup (No. 5 position).

The profitable Ram pickup, which is struggling to find buyers in the U.S., set an all-time sales record in Canada last month, with 5,201 units sold, up 88 per cent. Sales of the Ram 1500 rose 102 per cent, while the Ram Heavy Duty posted an increase of 55 per cent.

An all-time sales record was also recorded for the Dodge Grand Caravan on sales of 5,917 units, up 39 per cent compared with April 2009. Chrysler Town & Country posted an April sales record with 550 units sold, an increase of 85 per cent. The Windsor, Ontario Assembly Plant where the vehicles are built continues to operate on three shifts to meet strong demand for the minivan.

The Dodge Journey easily held onto its crown as Canada's No. 1 selling crossover, with sales of 2,001 units, an increase of 82 per cent and an April sales record. The Dodge Challenger set an all-time sales record, posting sales of 614 and growing 22 per cent compared with the same month last year. Sales of the Dodge Charger were up 116 per cent, Chrysler Sebring up 75 per cent, Chrysler 300/300C up 17 per cent, and Dodge Avenger up 53 per cent. Sales of Jeep brand vehicles increased 10 per cent in April, led by Jeep Patriot (up 43 per cent), Jeep Wrangler (up 26 per cent). Jeep Compass (up 13 per cent), and Jeep Liberty (up 9 per cent).

May Incentive Program

The company's "Why Canada Drives" Sales Event in April, has been extended for an additional month. From May 1 through May 31, dealerships across Canada will continue to showcase award-winning and segment-leading vehicles such as the all-new Ram Heavy Duty; the No. 1 selling minivan, Dodge Grand Caravan, Dodge Journey; and the Jeep Patriot. "May typically marks the highest vehicle sales month of the year," said Dave Buckingham, Vice President of Sales, Chrysler Canada. "We intend to capitalize with our most aggressive pricing of the year on our market leaders Jeep Wrangler, Dodge Grand Caravan and Ram Truck."

In addition, Canadians who visit one of the company's 440 Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram dealerships during May will continue to receive an exclusive $500 in "Why Canada Drives" Bonus Cash on top of all other retail incentives including up to $7,500 in Consumer Cash Discounts plus purchase finance rates starting at zero per cent on nearly every 2010 Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge or Ram vehicles. Canadians will also receive $1,000 in Jeep Bonus Cash, providing even further value on Canada's best lineup of SUVs including the 2010 Jeep Patriot, Compass, Wrangler, Wrangler Unlimited, Liberty, Commander and Grand Cherokee.