03.09.2010 CHRYSLER GROUP POSTS STRONG SALES GROWTH IN CANADA DURING AUGUST

JEEP WRANGLER RUBICON 2011

Chrysler Canada has announced total sales for the month of August of 16,144 units, up 12 percent year-on-year which makes it the best performer amongst the leading brands on this market which generally posted a mix month. This compares to August 2009 when Chrysler Canada recorded sales of 14,432 units. This year's figure also surpasses the 2008 pre-economic downturn level, with growth of four percent compared with August 2008. Sales at the retail level surged 20 per cent due to continued strong consumer demand.

It also placed Chrysler Group with the best year-on-year performance for the month of August amongst the major automakers as the market leader, Ford, was up 8 percent, GM only just made it into positive territory and Toyota lost almost a third. "We are extremely pleased with our progress so far this year," said Reid Bigland, President and CEO of Chrysler Canada. "Most of our 16 all-new or significantly refreshed vehicles are just starting to launch, and we are moving into this product onslaught with nine consecutive months of growth momentum behind us."

Sales Highlights

Five Chrysler Canada vehicles achieved their best-ever month-of-August sales: The Ram pickup climbed 87 percent year-on-year with sales of 5,299 units. Sales of the Jeep Wrangler climbed 115 percent year-on-year to 1,054 units. Canada's best-selling crossover, the Dodge Journey, more than doubled its sales compared with August 2009, on 2,141 units sold. The Dodge Challenger recorded sales of 196 units, a gain of 80 percent over last year's level. The Jeep Patriot also posted its best August ever, with an increase of 69 percent on sales of 953 units.

"For the January-through-August time frame, we have achieved all-time record sales levels on four of our core vehicles, Ram pickup, Dodge Journey, Dodge Grand Caravan and Jeep Wrangler," said Dave Buckingham, Vice President of Sales - Chrysler Canada. "This month we are raising the bar with the introduction of an innovative way to own a vehicle called Customer Choice Financing.  We think this program will change the way vehicles are purchased in Canada." 

Chrysler Canada Sale, August

August Sales

August 2010

August 2009

% Change

 
Total Volume

16,144

14,432

12%

 
         
Model Highlights

August 2010

August 2009

% Change

 
Ram Pick-up

5,299

2,831

87%

Record August Sales
Dodge Journey

2,141

947

126%

Record August Sales
Jeep Wrangler

1,054

491

115%

Record August Sales
Jeep Patriot

953

565

69%

Record August Sales
Dodge Challenger

196

109

80%

Record August Sales
         
         
CYTD Sales

August 2010

August 2009

% Change

 
Total Volume

143,937

107,780

34%

 
         
Model Highlights

August 2010

August 2009

% Change

 
Grand Caravan

38,332

25,713

49%

#2 nameplate in Canada YTD
Ram Pick-up

37,045

19,759

87%

#3 nameplate in Canada YTD
Dodge Journey

14,933

9,049

65%

#1 cross-over in Canada YTD
 

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