Dec. 2006: Chrysler Group

[Flybrian]

Chrysler Group December 2006 U.S. Sales Rise 1 Percen

• Jeep Wrangler sales rise 61 percent, a new December sales record
• Jeep Compass sales increase 36 percent; the highest sales total since introduction
• Dodge Ram Pickup sales increase 6 percent
• Dodge brand sales rise 5 percent on the strength of Nitro, Caliber and Charger sales
• The Dodge Nitro powers to a 36 percent increase over November 2006 sales

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Jan. 3 -- On the strength and momentum provided by the 10 product introductions in 2006, Chrysler Group reported that unadjusted sales in December 2006 rose 1 percent to 190,415 units (4 percent adjusted), compared to December 2005 sales of 189,449 units. For the entire year, Chrysler Group sales totaled 2,142,505 units, a decrease of 7 percent over 2005. All figures are reported as unadjusted.

"The 10 new products the company introduced in 2006 generated customer and media praise and laid the foundation for strong sales in 2007," said Steven Landry, Vice President, Sales and Field Operations - Chrysler Group. "We've got an aggressive retail sales plan for 2007 that is expected to drive showroom traffic and provide our dealers the best opportunity to sell vehicles."

The all-new, iconic Jeep Wrangler continues to solidify its segment dominance in the marketplace and deepen its loyalty with customers. Sales of the Jeep Wrangler rose 61 percent to 8,623 units in December. December 2005 sales totaled 5,363 units.

Sales of the all-new Jeep Compass rose 36 percent month-over-month, posting sales of 5,066 units in December 2006. November 2006 sales were 3,723 units.

For the Dodge brand, the Dodge Ram pickup continues to lead the way for the brand, with sales rising 6 percent to 32,875 units. December 2005 year sales were 30,978 units. Sales for the Dodge brand totaled 88,489 units, an increase of 5 percent over December 2005 sales of 84,023 units.

Sales of the Dodge Nitro, the newest SUV for the Dodge brand, and the first mid-sized SUV continues to gain momentum, totaling 7,491 units in December 2006, or an increase of 36 percent over November 2006 sales of 5,489 units.

Sales of the first SUV for the Chrysler brand, the all-new Chrysler Aspen, totaled 3,033 units, an increase of 28 percent over November 2006 sales of 2,365 units. Sales of the Chrysler Aspen continue to exceed expectations as the vehicle continues arriving at dealerships and customers respond to its unique looks and features.

Chrysler Group finished the month with 538,438 units of dealer inventory, or a 74-day supply. That figure is 58,568 units and 11-days fewer than December 2005 and in-line with earlier guidance of projected year-end inventory levels.

On Thursday, January 4, 2007, Chrysler Group President and CEO, Tom LaSorda will host a teleconference to deliver worldwide sales results for the Chrysler Group and its global growth initiatives. Details about the teleconference are available on the Chrysler Group media web site.

[Intrepidation]

Charger sales are up for the month, as are 300 sales. total sales were about flat. The only LX not doing so well is the Magnum, which is a real shame.

[evok]

I do not care what the quantity of the sales at Chrysler Group are - the quality of the sales are dismal.

Their day of reckoning may yet be upon them.

I hear things are not pretty on the operations side beyond what is reported in the press. I would not be surprised to see a repeat of the Dr. Z era in 2000 with another mass round of layoffs and corporate restructuring.

It appears Chrysler is still the same old Chrysler we knew independent of their current owners.

Edited January 12, 2007 by evok

[Intrepidation]

I remember reading an article in of of the auto mags back when Zetche came under control of Chrysler and said he wanted "Toyota Quality" by 2007...yeah right. It's ashame that many of their vehicles are not doing so well. I think mostly the interiors, and the recall issues they still have, plus a couple of pointless cars (Compass, Aspen) are to blame, in addition to the union costs, which are higher than GM and Fords now right?

[evok]

And least we forget: Dr. Z and Wolfgang were the people in charge of operations and product at the time.

Edited January 12, 2007 by evok

[aaaantoine]

Caliber sales for November were 7078. What were they for December?

[enzl]

Caliber sales for November were 7078. What were they for December?

IIRC, around 9500 or so. (EDITED, as per automotive news)

Interestingly, the Compass broke 5,000

Edited January 14, 2007 by enzl