This sales month from Chrysler Group closely reflected the performance for July turned in by its two big Detroit rivals: Ford was up 3 percent year-on-year but flat month-on-month while GM was up 5.4 percent year-on-year and 2.6 percent month-on-month. The two Japanese giants, Toyota and Honda, were both up month-on-month, 20.3 and 5.4 percent respectively, but both down slightly year-on-year.

“The all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee is drawing customers into our showrooms, setting the pace and standard for our company, and generating positive reviews both nationally and internationally,” said Fred Diaz, President and Chief Executive Officer – Ram Truck Brand and Lead Executive for U.S. Sales. “We’re gaining some real traction with the all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee, and we look forward to the same when we revamp the remaining 75 percent of our nameplates by year end.”

Chrysler Group finished the month with a 55-day supply of inventory (191,000 units). U.S. industry sales figures for July are projected at an estimated 11.6 SAAR. The new Jeep Grand Cherokee is arriving in dealerships in greater numbers. Chrysler Group – at the end of this month – will begin to reveal the rest of its 16 new or significantly refreshed vehicles. This steady cadence of new vehicles will continue through the remainder of this year.

July 2010 U.S. Sales Highlights by Brand

Jeep Brand

The Jeep Brand posted a 19 percent year-over-year increase in July as the all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee arrived in dealerships in greater numbers. Jeep Grand Cherokee sales were up 54 percent in July, versus July 2009, and were up 86 percent compared with last month, as the all-new Grand Cherokee resonates with consumers and continues to generate positive reviews in the media. The iconic Jeep Wrangler had a triple digit percentage increase in sales during July. Jeep Liberty also had a strong month as sales increased 70 percent. Women drivers ranked Jeep dealers No. 2 overall in Women-Drivers.com’s report of Top Auto Brands. Women rated dealers on their experience during vehicle purchase, while just browsing and having their vehicles serviced.


Dodge Brand

Dodge Challenger sales were up 317 percent in July, compared to the same month in 2009. Dodge Challenger’s July 2 return to NASCAR Nationwide Series’ competition racing, after more than a 30-year absence, has generated mounting consumer interest in the vehicle. Challenger also shared the top spot in the “Specialty Coupe” category in Strategic Vision Inc.’s 2010 Total Quality Index study, which measures the complete ownership experience. Dodge Charger sales also increased by a triple digit percentage during July. The three new Dodge Nitro lifestyle models – Detonator, Heat and Shock – continue to drive Dodge Nitro sales, up 96 percent in July. The Dodge Journey crossover also did well, driven in part by the popularity of the all-wheel-drive model, with sales up 11 percent in July.

Ram Brand

The Ram Brand posted an 11 percent year-over-year increase in July, compared to the same month in 2009. Ram pickup truck sales increased 14 percent in July, fueled in part by the success of the Ram Heavy Duty, Motor Trend’s 2010 Truck of the Year. Ram Heavy Duty sales were up 89 percent in July, with the Crew Cab and Quad Cab models being the most popular choices. Dodge Dakota sales were up 49 percent in July, while sales of Ram Cab Chassis, redesigned for 2011, had its best sales month ever in July.

Chrysler Brand

Chrysler Town & Country, winner this year of the ninth-consecutive R.L. Polk & Co.’s “Automotive Loyalty Award” in the minivan segment, posted a sales increase of 18 percent in July. Chrysler Sebring sedan and convertible sales were up a combined 11 percent.