CHRYSLER GROUP LLC - Chrysler Group LLC today reported U.S. sales of 126,089 units, a 13 percent increase compared with sales in July 2011 (112,026 units), and the group's best July sales since 2007.
The Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram Truck, and FIAT brands each posted sales increases in July compared with the same month a year ago. Chrysler Group recorded its 28th-consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains in July. The Chrysler brand led the way with its 35 percent sales gain, the largest percentage increase of any Chrysler Group brand in July.
"July was another solid month for Chrysler Group as we again demonstrated our disciplined and methodical approach to growing sales and profits," said Reid Bigland, President and CEO – Dodge Brand and Head of U.S. Sales. "In July we recorded a 13 percent increase in sales and our 28th-consecutive month of year-over-year sales growth. In addition we also announced a second quarter modified operating profit of $755 million representing our highest quarterly profits in more than a decade."
Chrysler Group's 13 percent sales increase was driven in part by two models that set sales records for the month of July: the Chrysler 200 mid-size sedan and the Dodge Journey full-size crossover. Sales of the award-winning Journey were up 69 percent, the largest percentage increase of any Chrysler Group model in July.
Also contributing to Chrysler Group's July increase were the Ram pickup truck, the group's volume leader, with its 17 percent sales increase, and the Chrysler 300 flagship sedan with a solid 41 percent gain. Sales of the Jeep Grand Cherokee, the most awarded SUV ever, were up 22 percent while the Jeep Liberty mid-size SUV recorded a 34 percent sales increase, the largest year-over-year percentage sales gain of any Jeep model in July.
Chrysler Group finished the month with a 65-days supply of inventory (341,699 units). U.S. industry sales figures for July are projected at an estimated 14 million units Seasonally Adjusted Annual Rate (SAAR).
July 2012 U.S. Sales Highlights by Brand
Chrysler Brand
Chrysler brand sales were up 35 percent, the brand's best July sales in four years and the largest year-over-year percentage increase of any Chrysler Group brand in July. All three Chrysler brand models contributed to the sales gain by logging double-digit sales increases in July compared with the same month a year ago. The Chrysler 200 mid-size sedan was the brand's volume leader, setting a sales record for the month of July with its 43 percent sales increase. The Chrysler Town & Country minivan rolled up a 25 percent sales gain, its best July since 2006, while the Chrysler 300 flagship sedan, with a strong 41 percent gain, recorded its best July sales since 2008.
FIAT Brand
FIAT brand sales, up 22 percent compared with the same month a year ago, set a sales record for the month of July. The Fiat 500 Cabrio did particularly well with a triple-digit percentage sales increase in July versus the same month in 2011. The editors at Consumer Guide Automotive named the Fiat 500 to its annual list of the "10 Coolest Cars Under $18,000." Editors at the publication test drove and evaluated each new car with a base U.S. Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) under $18,000. The 2012 Fiat 500 topped this annual list.
Ram Truck Brand
The Ram pickup truck, Chrysler Group's volume leader, extended its streak of year-over-year sales gains to 27-consecutive months in July. Sales of the Ram pickup truck were up 17 percent in July compared with the same month a year ago. It was the pickup truck's best July sales performance since 2007. Of the Ram 1500 sales, the regular cab pickups posted the largest percentage sales increase in July, while the crew cab trucks led in volume. The Ram Truck brand, which posted its best July sales in four years, continues to grow sales with its 2012 models while preparing to launch the all-new 2013 Ram 1500 with its best-in-class fuel economy, state-of-the-art technology, and class-exclusive features. Ram Truck dealers are expected to begin ordering the new Ram early this month with production slated to begin in September.
Jeep Brand
Jeep brand sales were up 7 percent, the brand's best July sales since 2005, and its 27th-consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains. Sales of the Jeep Grand Cherokee, the most awarded SUV ever, were up 22 percent, its best July sales in seven years. Jeep Liberty sales were up 34 percent, the largest percentage increase of all Jeep models in July. Sales of the Jeep Patriot were up 28 percent in July. Editors at Consumer Guide Automotive named the Patriot to its "10 Coolest Cars Under $18,000" list in July. The Jeep Compass compact SUV had its best sales month of this year.
Dodge Brand
Dodge brand sales increased 6 percent in July, the brand's best July sales since 2005. The Dodge Journey full-size crossover set a sales record for the month of July. With its 69 percent sales increase, the Journey, the most versatile and affordable crossover in America, turned in the largest year-over-year percentage sales increase of any Chrysler Group model in July. The all-new 2013 Dodge Dart compact car is beginning to arrive in dealership showrooms in greater numbers across the country. Sales of the Dart were up 282 percent in July compared with its first month of sales in June. Production of the Dart continues to ramp up with the addition of third crew at the Belvidere, Ill. assembly plant. The Dart was one of three Chrysler Group models that made Consumer Guide Automotive's annual list of the "10 Coolest Cars Under $18,000."