Ram remains the best seller by far at Chrysler Group. Minivans are strong as well.
Chrysler Group LLC today reported U.S. sales of 121,730, a 31% increase compared with sales in March 2010 – Chrysler’s best March since 2008, and the highest sales for any month since May 2008.
Both Chrysler Group car and truck sales posted year-over-year sales gains, led by car sales which increased 46%, the best month for car sales since May 2008 before the financial markets collapsed that fall and Chrysler faced bankruptcy. Overall U.S. auto industry sales were up 17% for the month; 20% for the quarter.
Chrysler is now growing at a slightly greater rate than the industry, and is in the fifth U.S. sales spot calendar year-to-date in a dead heat with Nissan as General Motors continues to lead, followed by Ford, Toyota and Honda.
However, Chrysler’s heavy reliance on truck and SUV sales – 72% remains a concern as fuel prices soar due to unrest in the mid-east.
Nonetheless, truck and SUV sales continued to post year-over-year sales gains, plus 27% in March, in large part from sales of Ram pickup trucks, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Wrangler, and an all-new 2011 Dodge Durango sport-utility.
First quarter sales of almost 287,000 vehicles were up 23% compared to the same period last year. Retail sales during the first quarter of this year were up 51%.
“Our pickups and sport-utilities have been strong performers in the market, and now we are seeing our cars gaining momentum in the marketplace as well,” said Fred Diaz, President and CEO – Ram Truck Brand and Lead Executive for U.S. Sales.
