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Contributing to Chrysler Group’s 10 percent
sales increase last month were the Fiat's
500, Jeep's Wrangler, Dodge's Challenger and
Journey (above), and Ram's Cargo Van, each
setting a sales record for the month of
December. |
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Chrysler
Group has reported U.S. sales of 152,367 units, a 10
percent increase compared with sales in December 2011
(138,019 units), and the group’s best sales for the
final month of the year since 2007.
The Chrysler, Dodge, Ram Truck and Fiat brands each
posted year-over-year sales gains in December compared
with the same month last year, while Jeep saw sales
declining. The Fiat brand’s 59 percent increase was the
largest sales gain of any Chrysler Group brand for the
month. December marked Chrysler Group’s 33rd-consecutive
month of year-over-year sales gains.
For the year, Chrysler Group sales totalled 1,651,787
units, up 21 percent compared with sales in 2011. The
Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram Truck and Fiat brands each
recorded sales gains during 2012 compared with sales in
the previous year. The Jeep brand’s 13 percent sales
increase in the U.S. helped push its global sales to an
all-time record in 2012. Seven Chrysler Group models set
annual sales records in 2012.
“Chrysler Group ended 2012 on a strong note with
December sales up 10 percent and our best December sales
since 2007,” said Reid Bigland, President and CEO –
Dodge Brand and Head of U.S. Sales. “Looking back on
2012, we were again one of the fastest growing
automakers in the country with total sales up 21
percent. We also recorded 33-consecutive months of
year-over-year sales growth and our strongest annual
sales in five years. Finally, seven of our vehicles
recorded their best ever annual sales in 2012
demonstrating how the quality, design and fuel
efficiency of our product line up continues to resonate
with consumers.”
The new Alfa Romeo Giulietta-based Dodge Dart, however
is one current black spot for Chrysler Group as its
demand has fallen well short of expectations, in part
due to less than competitive pricing structures as well
as mixed test reviews. However there was an upward note
during December as the Dart's sales were up 36 percent
month-over-month, the C-segment car’s best monthly sales
performance since it went on sale in June.
Also contributing to Chrysler Group’s 10 percent
increase were the Fiat's 500, Jeep's Wrangler, Dodge's
Challenger and Journey, and Ram's Cargo Van, each
setting a sales record for the month of December. The
Jeep Grand Cherokee recorded its best sales performance
of the year in December although that was in fact down 1
percent on the same month last year. Also relatively
flat in December were Chrysler's 200 and Town & Country
while the losers included Jeep's Compass and Liberty.
Chrysler Group finished the month with a 72-days supply
of inventory (426,664 units). U.S. industry sales
figures for December are projected at an estimated 15.8
million units Seasonally Adjusted Annual Rate (SAAR).
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