Chrysler Group January 2012 U.S. Sales Rise 44%

Chrysler Group today reported U.S. sales of 101,149, a 44% compared with sales in January 2011 at 70,118 vehicles. It was the 22nd-consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains and the eighth-consecutive month of sales increases of at least 20%. The renewed interest in the Fiat owned company whose survival now seems assured because of taxpayer bailouts resulted in the large sales increases of trucks, Jeeps and minivans.

All five Jeep brand models posted double-digit percentage sales gains for a total of 31,710 trucks. Ram pickup truck sales were at 17,900 was up 47% in January, the truck’s 21st-consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains. Ram Light Duty, Heavy Duty, and Cab Chassis all contributed to the profit boosting gain, each with double-digit percentage sales gains. And sales of  the minivan mainstays – Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Caravan –  at 13,667 were strong as well.

Because of its growing U.S. sales in 2011 Chrysler Group is now earning a greater return in profits at 4% of turnover when compared to owner Fiat’s return of 2.8%, which was down from 2010 because of the ongoing Eurozone crisis. Going forward, the sales trend favors Chrysler in the U.S. Both Chrysler and Fiat are posting financial results today that will be covered separately.

Chrysler brand’s 81% sales increase in January represented the largest percentage increase of any Chrysler Group brand, though beware it builds from a small base. It was the fourth-consecutive month that the brand has posted the largest sale gain within the group. January also was Chrysler brand’s seventh-consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains. Sales of the Chrysler 200 mid-size sedan were up 789% in January, compared with sales the same month a year ago, while the Chrysler 300 full-size sedan turned in a 273%sales gain. The 200’s increase was by far the largest of any Chrysler Group model in January.

Jeep brand sales increased 37% in January versus the same month in 2011, its best January since 2008. All five Jeep brand models posted double-digit percentage sales gains in January, led by the Jeep Liberty’s 68%. It was the mid-size Liberty’s best sales month since March 2008. January marked the brand’s 21st-consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains.

Ram Truck brand sales as noted were up 42% in January, the brand’s best January sales since 2008. Ram announced last month that it is expanding its model lineup by adding the new, top-of-the-line Ram Laramie Limited, which will make its debut at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show next week.

Dodge brand posted a 29% sales increase in January, its best January since 2008 and its eighth-consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains. Dodge Durango SUV, Dodge Charger and Avenger sport sedans each logged triple-digit percentage sales gains in January versus the same month in 2011.