Of its two main rivals Detroit based rivals last month Ford's sales were up 46 percent year-on-year and GM's were up 10.5 percent. Japanese leader Toyota was up 17 percent year-on-year. Honda and Hyundai climbed 26 and 44 percent year-on-year respectively in September. Chrysler Group also beat Honda last month by a margin of almost 3,000 units. Month-on-month Chrysler Group and Ford were both slightly up while GM lost 6 percent.

September represents the sixth consecutive month of year-over-year sales increases for Chrysler Group, and the second month this year that its sales exceeded the 100,000-unit threshold. Nearly all Chrysler Group vehicle lines currently in production improved year-over-year sales.

“We will continue to build sales momentum this fall as a slate of new product begins arriving in our dealerships,” said Fred Diaz, President and Chief Executive Officer – Ram Truck Brand and Lead Executive for U.S. Sales. “Consumers soon will be able to see more of our all-new and significantly-refreshed vehicles in our dealerships.”

The new 2011 Model year Chrysler 200 (the new name for the unloved Sebring), and the new Dodge Durango sport-utility vehicle, the first model to be spun-off the Jeep Grand Cherokee's ML platform will arrive in dealerships during this quarter to boost demand. Also arriving this quarter are the refreshed versions of Jeep's Patriot and Wrangler, Chrysler's Town & Country and Dodge's Grand Caravan minivans, as well as Dodge's Charger and Avenger. In all, Chrysler Group this year is introducing 16 new or refreshed vehicles representing 75 percent of its nameplates.

Chrysler Group finished the month with a 58-day supply of inventory (231,304 units). U.S. industry sales figures for September are projected at an estimated 11.9 SAAR.

September 2010 U.S. Sales Highlights by Brand

Jeep Brand

The Jeep Brand posted a 65 percent year-over-year increase in September, the best September for sales in three years. The new Grand Cherokee contributed to the increase as its September sales were up 98 percent over August. Total Grand Cherokee year-over-year sales were up 95 percent in September. Sales of the Wrangler, the brand’s volume leader, increased 29 percent compared with September 2009. The Patriot and Compass also had a strong September as each model posted triple-digit percentage sales increases. The 2011 Model Year Wrangler models – with mildly revamped interiors – will be arriving this month in greater numbers on dealership lots. The Model Year Patriot, the affordable compact sport-utility vehicle, arrives in dealership showrooms this quarter with new exterior styling, interior enhancements, and refinements to the suspension and steering systems.

Ram Truck Brand

The Ram Truck Brand posted a 22 percent sales increase in September, compared with the same month in 2009. Ram pickup truck sales increased 26 percent in September as both light- and heavy-duty pickup truck sales posted double-digit percentage sales increases. Crew Cab and Quad Cab models continue to be the most popular consumer choices. Dodge Dakota sales also were strong last month, up 141 percent compared with September 2009. The Ram Truck Brand last week unveiled the most luxurious Ram Truck ever produced by the company. Named the Ram Laramie Longhorn edition, the lineup’s most well-appointed model is designed for the owner who needs a truck for work or play, but won’t settle for anything but the finest quality and refinement. Ram Laramie Longhorn models will go on sale first quarter 2011. Ram Truck officials unveiled the Laramie Longhorn in the heart of Truck Country: the State Fair of Texas. Ram Laramie Longhorn’s design cues were taken from traditionally handcrafted, time-tested wares, such as the antique pocket watch, a fine pair of hand-tooled leather cowboy boots, a collector’s-grade shotgun or a horseman’s saddle. The metal work and leather work are second to none.

Chrysler Brand

The Chrysler Brand posted a 92 percent sales increase in September, compared with the same month in 2009. The Town & Country minivan, the brand’s volume leader, posted a sales increase of 149 percent in September. Town & Country has posted year-over-year sales increases every month this year. The Sebring (sedan and convertible) posted a sales increase in the triple digits. The brand is replacing its full lineup with either all-new or significantly improved vehicles in just the next few months. The restyled 200 (Sebring) mid-sized sedan will be arriving in dealership showrooms this quarter while the refreshed Chrysler Town & Country also arrives in dealerships this quarter. The 2011 minivan offers consumers some styling enhancements; interior changes; reported improved driving dynamics; a new powertrain; and SafetyTec, a package of 40 standard safety and technology features.

Dodge Brand

The Dodge Brand posted a 71 percent sales increase in September compared with the same month in 2009. All Dodge models posted sales increases during September. By the end of this year the Dodge Brand will fill dealer showrooms with several new or updated Dodge products. The new Durango, spun-off the Jeep Grand Cherokee's Daimler-developed ML platform, is a three-row sport-utility vehicle; it begins arriving this quarter in dealerships. The new Durango’s stiffened unibody structure is engineered with the driving enthusiast in mind. The end result is a vehicle that aims to deliver premium driving performance combined with SUV capability and crossover versatility. The Durango will be followed by the significantly reworked Charger (featuring the newly revised platform and "Pentastar" engine) and the more mildly upgraded Grand Caravan, Journey, Avenger and Challenger with two new powertrains.