DaimlerChrysler AG's Chrysler Group division, the maker of Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep vehicles has recently reported a 5 percent decline on their March 2007 sales compared to the sales output last March 2006.
Although the overall total sales were down by 5 percent, the company's Jeep brand has successfully increased its March 2007 sales up to 4 percent with a total of 45,335 individual units sold. The Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited proved their reign as the most popular Jeep brand with a sales increase of 64 percent compared to March 2006. Dealers have sold 13,397 units of the Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited in March 2007, which has significantly contributed for the overall sales of the Jeep brand. According to Chrysler Group," March 2007 marks the best month ever in the Jeep Wrangler's history". In addition, the Jeep Compass compact sport utility vehicle (SUV) equipped with sold 3,802 units, while the Jeep Patriot concluded the March 2007 sales report with 2,109 units sold.
For Dodge models, the Dodge Nitro, which was recently introduced in the US market last October 2006 ended the month of March 2007 with a total sales of 7,532 units, marking its strongest month ever. The all-new Dodge Avenger sold 9,026 units in March 2007. Other Dodge models have gained sales increase compared to March 2006 sales. The Dodge Caliber compact car obtained a sales increase of about 32 percent with a total of 8,634 units sold. The Dodge Charger full size sedan sold 12,707 units in March 2007, a 41 percent sales increase compared to last year's 9,023 units. Finally, the Dodge Ram light duty pick-up truck gained s sales increase up to 15 percent.
Overall for March 2007, Chrysler Group's vehicle inventory was significantly reduced by approximately 107,000 units or 18 percent, with 499,771 units of inventory compared to March 2006 with 606,734 units.
Acording to Tom LaSorda President and CEO of Chrysler Group:
"We continue to deliver on our promise to spend more time with our dealers, and make their profitability a priority. One important achievement in the month of March was that our vehicle inventory was down by more than 100,000 units compared to the previous year - in-line with the guidance we gave earlier."
Meanwhile, for the month of April 2007, Chrysler Group is offering new marketing incentive called the With 'National Minivan Month'. Here is what Michael Manley, Vice President, Sales and Dealer Operations of Chrysler Group has to say about the 'National Minivan Month':
"Combined with a competitive vehicle pricing, we will feature a no-extra-charge DVD system for our Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Caravan and Dodge Grand Caravan minivans."
"The Minivan Month follows a successful 'National Truck Month' in which our no-extra-charge HEMI engine upgrade contributed to another 15 percent gain in sales for the Dodge Ram light duty pick-up truck - following two already strong months in 2007." he added.
