Chrysler LLC today reported total February 2008 sales of 150,093 units which is 14 percent below the same period last year. This includes a significant reduction in fleet and reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to reduce daily-rental fleet vehicle sales. All sales figures are reported as unadjusted.
“While the auto industry is experiencing the impact of slow economic growth, Chrysler LLC February results reflect progress within each brand,” Vice Chairman and President Jim Press said. “The positive numbers for Dodge cars, the all-new Chrysler Town & Country and the Jeep® Patriot prove our renewed focus on consumer feedback, such as the demand for good fuel economy, is resonating—and translating into sales of our New Day Value Packages.”
In addition, Press added: “While becoming a more agile company, we’re developing a more personalized relationship with our customers and strengthening collaboration with our dealer partners. It’s the sum total of their feedback that will guide the evolution of our dynamic product lineup and really make it a New Day—and a new era—at Chrysler LLC.”
February sales highlight strong core products like the Dodge Caliber—offering good mileage at a low price. Increased sales of Dodge Caliber (up 10 percent), and Dodge Avenger (up 60 percent), demonstrate Chrysler’s strong positioning in the all-important car market, offering customers what they are looking for now more than ever—vehicles with high quality, great performance and tremendous value.
Chrysler brand truck sales were led by the Chrysler Town & Country, which posted sales of 11,952 units for February, representing a 1 percent increase versus the same period last year. Chrysler Aspen sales increased 31 percent with 2,879 units compared with February 2007 when sales were 2,202 units. The all-new Jeep Patriot set a new sales record for the month of February with 5,195 units sold. The vehicle is one of Chrysler's recently introduced models that achieve 28 miles per gallon or better in highway driving.
Chrysler LLC and its Dealer Advertising Association launched the New Day Celebration campaign last month in 55 regional markets. Solid February sales of the 12 vehicles featuring New Day Value Packages, including the Dodge Caliber, Dodge Avenger, and Chrysler Sebring—all developed in response to input from customers and dealers—affirm Chrysler’s new direction to listen intently, move quickly and offer the best value in the American market.
The all-new 2009 Dodge Journey continues to arrive in showrooms in March. Dodge Journey is a global vehicle that meets life’s changing demands by offering five or seven passenger seating and a choice of four or six cylinder engines. Dodge Journey arrives to market with a starting U.S. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $19,985 (including $625 destination).
The Company finished the month with 436,399 units of inventory, or a 73-day supply. Inventory is down by 11 percent compared with February 2007 when it was at 492,230 units.