Chrysler Group U.S. Auto Sales up 21% in 2012, Outpacing Overall Market Growth

That’s amore! Learning to love Ram Truck sales.

Chrysler Group today reported U.S. sales of 152,367 units, a 10% increase compared with sales in December 2011 of 138,019 units. It was the group’s best December sales since 2007 before the Great Recession. The Chrysler, Dodge, Ram Truck and Fiat brands each posted year-over-year sales gains in December compared with the same month last year. Moreover, December was Chrysler Group’s 33rd-consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains.

For the year, Chrysler Group sales totaled 1,651,787 units, an increase of 21% compared with sales in 2011, outpacing overall market growth of more than 14.5% based on preliminary numbers. This is four times the growth rate of much larger and more profitable General Motors (+3.7% at 2.6 million) and Ford Motor (+4.7% at 2.25 million), both of which lost share last year as Chrysler increased its share. Starting next year, though, Chrysler Group will be hard pressed to keep posting double-digit sales increases as it faces higher numbers and the resurgent Japanese makers.

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% 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.

The all-new Dodge Dart posted 10% sales increase in December. Dart sales were up 36% month-over-month in December, the compact car’s best monthly sales performance since it went on sale in June. Also contributing to Chrysler Group’s were the Fiat 500, Jeep Wrangler, Dodge Challenger, Dodge Journey, and Ram 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.

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).

Fiat

Fiat 500 sales were up 59% last month, a sales record for the month of December. It was the 10th-consecutive month this year in which the Fiat 500 has set a sales record, including an all-time sales record in September. Sales of the Fiat 500 hatchback were up 64% while the Fiat 500 Cabrio recorded a 39% year-over-year sales gain.

For the year, Fiat 500 sales (43,772 units) were up 121% compared with sales (19,769 units) during the 10 months that the model was sold in the U.S. in 2011. Fiat 500 sales in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico exceeded 50,000 units in 2012.

Dodge

Dodge brand sales were up 26% in December, the brand’s best December sales in five years and its 19th-consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains. December was the brand’s best monthly sales performance of the year. December also marked the second time during 2012 that the Dodge brand sold more than 50,000 units in a given month.

Sales of the all-new Dodge Dart were up 36% month-over-month in December, the compact car’s best monthly sales performance since Dodge dealers began selling the model in June. In addition to the Dart, the Dodge Journey full-size crossover, with its 63% increase, and the Dodge Challenger muscle car, with its 20% increase, each set sales records for the month of December.

The Dodge Grand Caravan minivan and Dodge Avenger mid-size sedan each posted double-percentage sales increases. Sales of the Grand Caravan were up 19%, the minivan’s second best sales month of 2012. The Avenger had its best December sales in five years and its 15th-consecutive month of year over year sales gains.

For the year, Dodge brand sales (524,989 units) were up 16% versus sales (451,040 units) in 2011, the brand’s best annual sales since 2007. The Dodge brand’s sales volume in 2012 was the largest of any Chrysler Group brand. The Journey, Avenger, and Challenger models each set an annual sales record in 2012.

Ram Truck

Sales of the Ram pickup truck were up 16% in December compared with the same month a year ago. It was the pickup truck’s best monthly sales performance since December 2007. Sales of the Heavy Duty Ram were up 20%, while sales of the Light Duty Ram trucks increased 14%. Ram Truck brand sales were up 16% in December, the brand’s best December sales in five years. Sales of the Ram Cargo Van increased 287% versus the same month a year ago, setting a sales record for the month of December.

For the year, Ram Truck brand sales (300,928 units) were up 17% compared with sales (257,610 units) in 2011. The Ram pickup truck had its best annual sales since 2007.

Chrysler

Chrysler brand sales were up 6% in December, the brand’s best December sales in five years. December marked the Chrysler brand’s 18th-consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains. Sales of the flagship Chrysler 300 full-size sedan were up 40% compared with the same month last year. December was the 300 sedan’s 14th-consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains.

For the year, Chrysler brand sales (307,967 units) were up 39% compared with sales (221,346 units) in 2011. The Chrysler brand recorded its best annual sales since 2008. The 200 sedan set an annual sales record in 2012, while the 300 flagship sedan recorded its best annual sales since 2007. The Town & Country had its best year since 2010.

Jeep

The Jeep brand’s U.S. sales (39,871 units) in December helped to push global Jeep brand sales to a record in 2012. Jeep brand sales were down 9% in December in the U.S. as sales of the Jeep Liberty model wind down. Jeep Liberty production ended in August. However, the Jeep Grand Cherokee posted its best sales month of the year in December and its best December sales in seven years. Jeep Wrangler set a sales record for the month of December with its 1% increase, compared with the same month a year ago. Sales of the Patriot were up 4% in December versus the same month in 2011.

For the year, Jeep brand sales (474,131) in the U.S. were up 13% compared with sales (419,349 units) in 2011, the brand’s best annual sales since 2007. The Wrangler and Patriot each set an annual sales record in 2012 while the Grand Cherokee recorded its best annual sales since 2005