Chrysler LLC today reported total August 2008 U.S. sales of 110,235 units, down 34 percent from the same period last year. Total August sales reflect an industry-wide slowdown, segment shifts and reduced fleet sales. Compared with July 2008, Chrysler’s August sales increased 12 percent supported by enhanced financing offers, efforts to shift lease-oriented customers to purchasing, leasing availability from independent financial institutions and better demand for key vehicles. Although Chrysler Financial is no longer offering leasing options to Chrysler customers, customers are still able to lease Chrysler, Jeep® and Dodge products through independent financial institutions and qualify for available discounts. "The industry is changing rapidly in terms of what vehicles and features customers want and the leasing and financing options available to them," Jim Press, Chrysler LLC Vice Chairman and President, said. "To help consumers, we are offering some of our most popular vehicles at significant savings. In August, we saw this formula generate new signs of momentum on vehicles like our Chrysler and Dodge minivans, Dodge Ram light-duty trucks and Jeep Liberty. In September, we will continue to offer competitive values and showcase dynamic new vehicles like the 2009 Dodge Challenger, and hybrid Dodge Durango and Chrysler Aspen SUVs."
September Incentives
Chrysler’s ‘Shop ’til You Drive Sales Event’ continues through Sept. 30, offering up to 40 percent off MSRP on select vehicles, and zero percent APR for 72-months on the 2008 Dodge Ram, Dodge Durango, Chrysler Aspen, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Jeep Commander. Especially strong values are available on Dodge Ram pickup trucks, with up to $9,000 discounts in select markets.
In September, customers can continue to take advantage of consumer bonus cash of $2,000 on select retail purchases when financed through Chrysler Financial. For those customers who still wish to lease a Chrysler, Jeep or Dodge vehicle through an independent financial institution, they can take advantage of Chrysler’s Customer Cash Allowance on select vehicles up to $2,000.
Returning lease customers will receive a Lease Loyalty incentive up to $750 for use towards the retail purchase of an eligible new Chrysler, Jeep or Dodge vehicle. The disposition fee, up to $425, will be waived by Chrysler Financial.
August Sales Highlights
Total Chrysler LLC minivan sales were up 7 percent compared with a year ago. The Dodge Grand Caravan posted sales of 9,422 units, nearly flat when compared with August 2007 sales. However, when compared with July 2008, Grand Caravan sales were up 54 percent. The all-new Chrysler Town & Country posted increased sales of 10,182 units in August, up 15 percent compared with August 2007 sales, and up 26 percent when compared with July 2008 sales.
Total Dodge Ram light-duty truck sales have doubled in the last 60 days, (June sales 9,172 units vs. August sales 18,774 units). Although sales were down 7 percent when compared with August 2007, sales increased 16 percent when compared with July 2008 sales. The 2009 model year Dodge Ram will begin arriving in Dodge dealerships in September.
The all-new 2008 Dodge Journey continues to gain momentum in the expanding mid-size crossover segment by capturing more than 35 percent of its buyers from owners of larger SUVs who are looking for efficiency and versatility. More than half of all Dodge Journey sales were first-time customers to the Dodge Brand. Journey posted sales of 4,587 in August, a 33 percent increase when compared with July 2008 sales of 3,449 units.
Chrysler LLC sold 4,654 units of the Jeep Liberty in August, a decrease of 14 percent when compared with August 2007. However, the vehicle picked up some momentum in August, increasing sales 24 percent when compared with July 2008 sales.
Sales for the Dodge Charger continue to grow. In August, 8,102 Dodge Chargers were sold, a 3 percent increase versus 2007 sales, and a 48 percent increase compared with July 2008 sales.
The Company finished the month with 380,560 units of inventory, or a 93-day supply. As part of a planned reduction in manufacturing and capacity, inventory is down 15 percent compared with August 2007 when it totaled 446,249 units.