Chrysler Group U.S. Sales Up 27% in September, Led By Trucks

Chrysler Group today reported U.S. sales of 127,334, a 27% increase compared with sales in September 2010 of 100,077 units. It was the Fiat controlled company’s best September sales since 2007.

Chrysler Group’s Retail sales were up 50%. Chrysler Group has beaten the average industry sales increase in eight of nine months this year, and Chrysler is in a dead heat with Toyota Motor Sales for the Number Three position in the U.S., whose sales were 121,451 in September. Year-to-date Chrysler trails Toyota by about 185,000 units.

Models that significantly contributed to the group’s increase included the Chrysler 200 mid-size and Chrysler 300 full-size sedans, Jeep Wrangler, Jeep Compass, Dodge Journey crossover, Ram pickup truck, and the Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country minivans.

Chrysler remains heavily dependent on trucks and minivans for its sales. The Fiat 500 posted sales of 2,773, down from 3,100 September. The 500 is now tracking well below annual sales expectations of about 50,000. Toyota reports U.S. sales later today.

“Irrespective of the economy, strong products equal strong sales and with our retail sales up a whopping 50% that is exactly what we have,” said. “September was also our 18th-consecutive month of year-over-year sales growth and

“We have now gained more retail market share than anyone else in the country. There is no double dip downturn going on around here,” Reid Bigland, President and CEO – Dodge Brand and Head of U.S. Sales

The Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, and Ram Truck brands all posted sales increases in September. The Ram Truck brand’s 42% sales increase led the way with the percentage gain of all the brands. The Chrysler brand logged its best sales month since August 2008 and best September sales since 2007.

The Ram Truck brand had its best September since 2007. Sales of the Ram pickup truck were up 45%, its best sales month of the year and best September since 2007.

Chrysler Group finished the month with a 54-day supply of inventory (277,278 units). U.S. industry sales figures for September are projected at an estimated 13.2 million SAAR.

About Ken Zino

Ken Zino, publisher (kzhw@aol.com), is a versatile auto industry participant with global experience spanning decades in print and broadcast journalism, as well as social media. He has automobile testing, marketing, public relations and communications experience. He is past president of The International Motor Press Assn, the Detroit Press Club, founding member and first President of the Automotive Press Assn. He is a member of APA, IMPA and the Midwest Automotive Press Assn. Zino is at home on test tracks, knows his way around U.S. Congressional hearing rooms, auto company headquarters, plant floors, as well as industry research and development labs where the real mobility work is done. He can quote from court decisions, refer to instrumented road tests, analyze financial results, and profile executive personalities and corporate cultures. He also brings an historical perspective while citing their contemporary relevance of the work of legendary auto writers such as Ken Purdy, Jim Dunne or Jerry Flint, or writers such as Red Smith, Mark Twain, Thomas Jefferson – all to bring perspective to a chaotic automotive universe. Above all, decades after he first drove a car, Zino still revels in the sound of the exhaust as the throttle is blipped and the driver’s rush that occurs when the entry, apex and exit points of a turn are smoothly and swiftly crossed. It’s the beginning of a perfect lap. AutoInformed has an editorial philosophy that loves transportation machines of all kinds while promoting critical thinking about the future use of cars and trucks. Zino builds AutoInformed from his background in automotive journalism starting at Hearst Publishing in New York City on Motor and MotorTech Magazines and car testing where he reviewed hundreds of vehicles in his decade-long stint as the Detroit Bureau Chief of Road & Track magazine. Zino has also worked in Europe, and Asia – now the largest automotive market in the world with China at its center.
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One Response to Chrysler Group U.S. Sales Up 27% in September, Led By Trucks

  1. Joe Cash says:

    October 5, 2011 , Auburn Hills, Mich. – Chrysler Group announced today introductory incentives on certain 2012 Chrysler, Jeep and Ram Truck models.

    Chrysler Group is offering $500 in Customer Cash to qualified consumers who purchase a 2012 Chrysler Town & Country or a 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan, Dodge Charger, or Dodge Challenger.

    In lieu of the Customer Cash offer, qualified consumers purchasing the Town & Country, Charger, or Grand Caravan may opt for attractive financing as low as 3.9% for 60 months.

    Chrysler Group is offering to eligible lease consumers Lease Cash ranging from $500 to $4,000 (depending on model) on the 2012 Chrysler 200 sedan, Town & Country, Jeep Liberty, Jeep Grand Cherokee, or Dodge Challenger, Journey, and Durango.

    Chrysler Group also has enhanced existing incentives on the 2011 Chrysler 300C and the 2011 Ram Heavy Duty. Qualified consumers who purchase a 300C may be eligible for $2,500 in Customer Cash or 0% financing up to 60 months. Qualified consumers who purchase the Ram Heavy Duty may be eligible for $2,000 in Customer Cash for the gas version of the Ram Heavy Duty or $3,500 in Customer Cash on the diesel version.

    These incentives are effective through Oct. 31, 2011.

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