Chrysler 2006 Aug

[toyoguy]

* Chrysler 300 Sales Rise 13 Percent Year-Over-Year

* Jeep® Compass Continues Arriving at Dealerships to Positive Customer

Reception

* Chrysler Town & Country Sales Improve 9 Percent Over Last Year

* Zero-percent for 72 Months Incentive Program Announced for 2006 Models

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Sept. 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Moving in stride

with overall industry sales trends this month, Chrysler Group reported U.S.

sales for August of 179,165 units, a decrease of 8 percent (4 percent

decrease unadjusted) compared to August 2005 sales of 187,085 units. All

sales are reported on an adjusted basis unless otherwise indicated.

"Our product portfolio transition continues with the successful launch

of the Jeep® Compass on the heels of the brisk-selling Dodge Caliber

along with eight additional products this year," said Steven Landry,

Chrysler Group, Vice President - Sales and Field Operations. "Strong

customer demand for the Dodge Caliber and the Jeep Compass has set the

standard for our other vehicle launches."

Chrysler Group saw sales strength in several key products during

August, including the Chrysler 300, Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Charger,

Dodge Caliber and the Jeep Compass.

Strong sales of the Chrysler 300 and Chrysler Town & Country minivan

helped to push the Chrysler brand to sales of 47,132 units, an increase of

3 percent over previous year sales of 44,279 units. The Chrysler 300 posted

sales of 11,703 units, an increase of 13 percent over August 2005 sales of

9,934 units. Sales of the Chrysler Town & Country increased 9 percent to

11,981 units compared to 10,614 units sold in August 2005.

The Jeep brand posted sales of 42,243 units, a slight increase compared

to previous year sales of 40,659 units for the brand. The Jeep Commander

posted sales of 8,012 units, a 1 percent increase over July 2006 sales of

7,363 units. The Jeep Compass is beginning to arrive at Jeep dealers

nationwide and feedback is positive from dealers and customers. Sales of

the Jeep Compass totaled 2,061 units this month despite limited

availability, as dealers are still receiving shipments.

The Dodge brand saw strong sales from several products within its

portfolio during August. Sales of the Dodge Caliber continue to be brisk

with 8,877 units sold this month, an increase of 14 percent over July 2006

sales of 7,187 units. Demand for the Dodge Caliber continues to be strong;

days supply for the vehicle is 23 days. The Dodge Charger posted sales of

10,461 units, an increase of 93 percent compared to August 2005 sales of

5,222 units. The Dodge Dakota posted a sales increase of 4 percent to 8,891

units. Sales of the Dodge Dakota totaled 8,206 units last year.

Beginning today, Chrysler Group announces 0 percent financing for 72

months on nearly all 2006 model year vehicles. Qualifying customers can

choose zero percent financing for up to 72 months or cash back amounts up

to $5,000. The program runs through Oct. 2, 2006. Chrysler 300, Dodge

Magnum and Dodge Charger vehicles are excluded.

"We wanted to address customer concerns about higher interest rates and

fuel prices," said Mike Manley, Chrysler Group, Vice President - Sales

Strategy and Dealer Operations. "This first-time program will allow

consumers to own a new vehicle that fits their budget and reinforces the

value of products we offer to customers."

Chrysler Group finished the month with 502,946 units of inventory, or a

76-day supply.

DaimlerChrysler Corporation U.S. Sales Summary Thru August 2006

                                               Month Sales    DR %   Vol %
                    Model                 Curr Yr    Pr Yr   Change Change
    Sebring                                  1,188     5,853   -80%   -80%
    Concorde                                     0         0     0%     0%
    300                                     11,703     9,934    13%    18%
    Crossfire                                  496     1,262   -62%   -61%
    PT Cruiser                              15,552     9,812    53%    58%
    Pacifica                                 6,212     6,804   -12%    -9%
    Town & Country                          11,981    10,614     9%    13%
      CHRYSLER BRAND                        47,132    44,279     3%     6%

    Compass                                  2,061         0     0%     0%
    Wrangler                                 6,002     7,079   -18%   -15%
    Liberty                                 11,039    15,649   -32%   -29%
    Grand Cherokee                          15,129    17,931   -19%   -16%
    Commander                                8,012         0     0%     0%
      JEEP BRAND                            42,243    40,659     0%     4%

    Neon                                       235    10,992   -98%   -98%
    Caliber                                  8,877         0     0%     0%
    Stratus                                    719     6,616   -90%   -89%
    Intrepid                                     0         0     0%     0%
    Charger                                 10,461     5,222    93%   100%
    Viper                                      122       162   -27%   -25%
    Magnum                                   5,247     4,585    10%    14%
    Dakota                                   8,891     8,206     4%     8%
    Ram P/U                                 34,177    38,681   -15%   -12%
    Caravan                                 13,241    16,678   -24%   -21%
    Durango                                  5,553     8,465   -37%   -34%
    Ram Van/Wagon                                0         0     0%     0%
    Sprinter Van                             2,267     2,540   -14%   -11%
      DODGE BRAND                           89,790   102,147   -15%   -12%

      TOTAL CHRYSLER GROUP                 179,165   187,085    -8%    -4%

              TOTAL CG CAR                  34,896    41,100   -18%   -15%
              TOTAL CG TRUCK               144,269   145,985    -5%    -1%
    Selling Days                                27        26



       DaimlerChrysler Corporation U.S. Sales Summary Thru August 2006

                                                Sales CYTD       DR %   Vol %
                    Model                   Curr Yr     Pr Yr   Change Change
    Sebring                                   45,062     62,427   -28%   -28%
    Concorde                                       0        210  -100%  -100%
    300                                       95,475     94,101     1%     1%
    Crossfire                                  5,950     10,276   -42%   -42%
    PT Cruiser                                95,439     88,437     8%     8%
    Pacifica                                  53,439     61,498   -13%   -13%
    Town & Country                           112,424    132,907   -15%   -15%
      CHRYSLER BRAND                         407,789    449,856    -9%    -9%

    Compass                                    2,768          0     0%     0%
    Wrangler                                  49,202     59,234   -17%   -17%
    Liberty                                   90,847    118,878   -24%   -24%
    Grand Cherokee                            98,124    149,796   -34%   -34%
    Commander                                 55,049          0     0%     0%
      JEEP BRAND                             295,990    327,908   -10%   -10%

    Neon                                      16,977     86,988   -80%   -80%
    Caliber                                   59,758          0     0%     0%
    Stratus                                   49,913     70,918   -30%   -30%
    Intrepid                                       0        298  -100%  -100%
    Charger                                   77,540     16,912    N/M    N/M
    Viper                                      1,003      1,059    -5%    -5%
    Magnum                                    28,978     39,795   -27%   -27%
    Dakota                                    56,856     77,322   -26%   -26%
    Ram P/U                                  250,144    283,310   -12%   -12%
    Caravan                                  151,858    166,917    -9%    -9%
    Durango                                   47,765     81,136   -41%   -41%
    Ram Van/Wagon                                  0        402  -100%  -100%
    Sprinter Van                              14,489     12,295    18%    18%
      DODGE BRAND                            755,281    837,352   -10%   -10%

    TOTAL CHRYSLER GROUP                   1,459,060  1,615,116   -10%   -10%

              TOTAL CG CAR                   360,691    357,897     1%     1%
              TOTAL CG TRUCK               1,098,369  1,257,219   -13%   -13%
    Selling Days                                 204        204

[Northstar]

* Chrysler 300 Sales Rise 13 Percent Year-Over-Year

* Jeep® Compass Continues Arriving at Dealerships to Positive Customer

Reception

I would be willing to bet the 300 only went up because of fleets. Notice it says nothing about retail sales being up.

2000 units in a month doesn't show me a whole lot of positive customer reception. It's too early to tell if the masses like it.

The Commander did surprisingly well. I wonder if it was fleet or retail?

[Matt276]

Nothing is said about fleet vs retail. I suspect a lot of those sales are fleet.

[sciguy_0504]

I bet fleets sales are a big reason the LX vehicles are up. I see little advertising for them.