June 2008 Sales: Chrysler LLC

[VenSeattle]

Chrysler LLC Reports June 2008 Sales
Let's Refuel America $2.99 Gas Guarantee Plus Cash Extended Through July 31
July 1 /PRNewswire/
Link to Press Release

- Let's Refuel America extended through July 31; continues to help drive
showroom traffic, sales of most fuel-efficient vehicles
- New Dodge Journey becoming a hit in the crossover market
- Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country minivan sales increase in
June
- New fuel-efficient vehicles see increased year-to-date sales

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., July 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Chrysler LLC today reported
total June 2008 U.S. sales of 117,457 units, which is 36 percent below the
same period last year. Total June sales reflect a continued contraction of
the market, especially of pickup trucks and SUVs, continued reductions in
fleet sales, and increases in Chrysler's newest highly fuel-efficient
vehicles. All sales figures are reported as unadjusted.

"The June results reflect the industry-wide impact of U.S. consumer
confidence being at its lowest point since 1992," Jim Press, President and
Vice-Chairman of Chrysler LLC said. "But Chrysler is fighting back and
making progress by continuing to invest in our products and aligning our
volume with the market.

"During difficult periods like this, it is critical that we continue to
evolve our products to meet our customers' needs and as a result, be a
stronger company when the economy recovers. Examples of this evolution are
our six vehicles that get 28 miles per gallon, and the 2009 Dodge Ram and
2009 Chrysler Aspen/Dodge Durango Hybrids with improved fuel economy,
innovative storage, and industry-leading Internet connectivity options."

Chrysler's Let's Refuel America $2.99 Gas Guarantee Plus Cash program
has been extended through July 31. The program continues to help improve
showroom traffic and drive sales of the company's most fuel-efficient
vehicles. For July, the program will offer the unique opportunity for
customers to lock in their gas prices at $2.99 for three years and get cash
back (on the majority of vehicles). The other two incentive choices offered
are cash back alone or 0 percent APR financing. Since the program began in
May, the vehicles in Chrysler's lineup with the highest gas program take
rate were the Chrysler Sebring Sedan, Dodge Journey, Dodge Caliber and
Dodge Avenger.

The Dodge Journey is making its mark in the crossover segment with
best-in-class fuel economy (19 city/25 mpg highway) and award-winning
seven-passenger interior utility. The Dodge Journey reached 5,162 units in
its fifth month of sales to become one of the most popular mid-size
crossovers in the market.

Compact Vehicles Growth

The all-new Jeep® Patriot posted sales for June with 4,889 units, up
6 percent compared with June 2007 sales of 4,633 units. Combined
year-to-date (YTD) total sales of the fuel-efficient Dodge Caliber, Jeep
Compass and Jeep Patriot compact vehicles which each achieve 28 miles per
gallon or better in highway driving, reached 114,188 units, up 18 percent
from YTD 2007 combined sales of 96,553 units.

Minivan Highlights

The Dodge Grand Caravan posted total June sales of 14,214 units, an
increase of 52 percent versus June 2007 sales of 9,342 units. While the
Chrysler Town & Country also saw strong sales in June with 9,833 units, up
21 percent compared with June 2007 sales of 8,151 units. Through June YTD,
new customer sales increased (retail only) 27 percent for Chrysler's two,
new long-wheelbase minivans, the Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand
Caravan, compared with the same two long-wheelbase models last year.
Minivans remain a fuel-efficient option over large SUVs for transporting
seven passengers and cargo, getting up to 24 miles per gallon on the
highway (3.3L engine).

Despite slow industry sales, the Company finished the month with
440,075 units of inventory, or a 90-day supply. As part of a planned
reduction, inventory is down 9 percent compared with June 2007 when it
totaled 485,429 units.

Cars and Compact Vehicles

Sales of these cars and car-based compact vehicles represent 40 percent
of Chrysler's lineup through June, an increase from 35 percent of the
lineup a year ago. Chrysler's lineup of cars and compact vehicles continue
to connect well with consumers, led by six vehicles which achieve 28 miles
per gallon or better in highway driving.

Chrysler's lineup of cars and compact vehicles include:

Dodge Caliber, Dodge Avenger, Dodge Charger, Dodge Magnum, Dodge
Challenger, Dodge Viper, Chrysler 300, Chrysler Sebring, Chrysler PT
Cruiser, Chrysler Crossfire, Jeep Patriot and the Jeep Compass.

Minivans and Crossovers:

Sales of these car-like vehicles represent 20 percent of Chrysler's
sales through June, an increase from 19 percent of the lineup a year ago.
Chrysler's all-new long-wheelbase minivans continue to build on its segment
dominance by offering exclusive features like Swivel 'n Go™ seating
system and Sirius Backseat TV along with excellent fuel efficiency.
Chrysler's crossover vehicles combine the versatility of a large
sport-utility vehicle with the efficiency of a passenger car. The Dodge
Journey gets best-in-class fuel economy (19 city/25 mpg highway).

Chrysler's line up of minivans and crossovers include:

Dodge Grand Caravan, Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Journey and the
Chrysler Pacifica.

Pickup Trucks and mid and Large SUVs:

Sales of these vehicles represent 40 percent of Chrysler's sales
through June, a decrease from 46 percent of the lineup a year ago. This
fall, Chrysler will launch a more fuel-efficient 2009 Dodge Ram and hybrid
versions of the Dodge Durango and Chrysler Aspen. The new 2009 Chrysler
Aspen Hybrid and Dodge Durango Hybrid will deliver fuel economy up to 20
miles per gallon -- a 40 percent improvement in the city and 25 percent
overall. Hybrid and light-duty diesel versions of the new Dodge Ram will be
available in the future.

Chrysler's lineup of pickup trucks and mid and large SUVs include:
Dodge Ram; Dodge Dakota, Dodge Durango, Dodge Nitro, Dodge Sprinter,
Chrysler Aspen, Jeep Liberty, Jeep Wrangler, Jeep Grand Cherokee and the
Jeep Commander.

About Chrysler LLC

Chrysler LLC, headquartered in Auburn Hills, Mich., produces Chrysler,
Jeep®, Dodge and Mopar® brand vehicles and products. Total sales
worldwide in 2007 were 2.68 million vehicles. Sales outside of North
America were the highest in a decade with an increase of 15 percent from
2006. The Company's product lineup features some of the world's most
recognizable vehicles, including the Chrysler 300, Jeep Wrangler and Dodge
Charger.


Let's Refuel America $2.99 Gas Guarantee
For additional information, refer to http://www.letsrefuelamerica.com

Chrysler LLC U.S. Sales Summary Thru June 2008

                                                   Month Sales          Vol %
                    Model                     Curr Yr        Pr Yr     Change
    Sebring                                     5,111       10,249      -50%
    300                                         4,528       11,796      -62%
    Crossfire                                     189        1,708      -89%
    PT Cruiser                                  6,216       10,047      -38%
    Aspen                                         944        1,846      -49%
    Pacifica                                      307        3,861      -92%
    Town & Country                              9,833        8,151       21%
        CHRYSLER BRAND                         27,128       47,658      -43%
    Compass                                     2,075        3,393      -39%
    Patriot                                     4,889        4,633        6%
    Wrangler                                    6,670       10,952      -39%
    Liberty                                     4,993        8,554      -42%
    Grand Cherokee                              6,054       10,968      -45%
    Commander                                   1,961        6,100      -68%
        JEEP BRAND                             26,642       44,600      -40%
    Caliber                                     6,099       10,815      -44%
    Avenger                                     4,187        8,261      -49%
    Charger                                     8,352       11,529      -28%
    Challenger                                  1,024            0        0%
    Viper                                          79           22      259%
    Magnum                                        188        2,523      -93%
    Dakota                                      2,443        4,812      -49%
    Ram P/U                                    16,149       31,114      -48%
    Journey                                     5,162            0        0%
    Caravan                                    14,214        9,342       52%
    Durango                                     1,723        5,277      -67%
    Nitro                                       2,577        5,768      -55%
    Sprinter                                    1,490        1,626       -8%
        DODGE BRAND                            63,687       91,089      -30%

        TOTAL CHRYSLER LLC                    117,457      183,347      -36%

              TOTAL CAR                        29,858       58,021      -49%
              TOTAL TRUCK                      87,599      125,326      -30%
    Selling Days                                   24           27


                                                   Sales CYTD           Vol %
                    Model                    Curr Yr         Pr Yr     Change
    Sebring                                   48,022        49,046       -2%
    300                                       40,014        62,995      -36%
    Crossfire                                  1,094         6,252      -83%
    PT Cruiser                                32,830        53,192      -38%
    Aspen                                     13,233        12,778        4%
    Pacifica                                   4,195        32,363      -87%
    Town & Country                            67,806        75,102      -10%
        CHRYSLER BRAND                       207,194       291,728      -29%
    Compass                                   18,393        22,205      -17%
    Patriot                                   36,684        14,969      145%
    Wrangler                                  46,443        65,651      -29%
    Liberty                                   40,910        50,114      -18%
    Grand Cherokee                            42,793        60,461      -29%
    Commander                                 16,313        33,742      -52%
        JEEP BRAND                           201,536       247,142      -18%
    Caliber                                   59,111        59,379        0%
    Avenger                                   41,453        40,628        2%
    Charger                                   58,525        65,972      -11%
    Challenger                                 1,095             0         0%
    Viper                                        594           249      139%
    Magnum                                     6,249        15,988      -61%
    Dakota                                    17,379        29,155      -40%
    Ram P/U                                  128,944       185,257      -30%
    Journey                                   22,731             0         0%
    Caravan                                   75,805       103,562      -27%
    Durango                                   14,909        28,905      -48%
    Nitro                                     23,898        37,212      -36%
    Sprinter                                   8,403         6,438       31%
        DODGE BRAND                          459,096       574,223      -20%

        TOTAL CHRYSLER LLC                   867,826     1,113,093      -22%

              TOTAL CAR                      257,147       309,207      -17%
              TOTAL TRUCK                    610,679       803,886      -24%
    Selling Days                                 153           154

[Intrepidation]

Wow, that's some horrid numbers. It's interesting that the Viper and Caravan are up...but that's about it.

[chevelle454]

Pretty brutal

[SingleStylish]

F150 39k units

Silverado 34k units

Ram 16k units

Sierra 12k units

Tundra 10k units

Tahoe 10k units

Yukon 4k units

Expedition 3.6k units

Seqouia 2.4k units

Durango 2k units

Navigator 1.2k units

Aspen 1k units

LX .6k units

And yes I am the only one still counting.

[DBeaSSt]

Oh but you forgot the bottom of that list.... :AH-HA_wink:

Titan 1,260

Armada 866

F150 39k units

Silverado 34k units

Ram 16k units

Sierra 12k units

Tundra 10k units

Tahoe 10k units

Yukon 4k units

Expedition 3.6k units

Seqouia 2.4k units

Durango 2k units

Navigator 1.2k units

Aspen 1k units

LX .6k units

And yes I am the only one still counting.

[CSpec]

The Sebring was also down 50%? Good job on that one, Chrysler. Even high gas can't help it.

[Intrepidation]

You know...Chrysler has been trying to find a partner for a small car. Which is fine, but while they were busy searching you'd think someone in the comany would stop and think: "Hey, we have a compact platform that the Caliber runs on, why not make a sedan out of it?"

[A Horse With No Name]

Before they gto raped by daimler, the Neon was a WONDERFUL small car.

Chrysler certainly can build them...look at the slat siux darts and demons of the early 70's...great cars for the era.

One wonders who's awake at the wheel in Auburn hills.

Chris

[cire]

You know...Chrysler has been trying to find a partner for a small car. Which is fine, but while they were busy searching you'd think someone in the comany would stop and think: "Hey, we have a compact platform that the Caliber runs on, why not make a sedan out of it?"

Exactly. Compact cars are more popular than ever before due to astronomical gas prices and all Chrysler LLC has in its arsenal to do battle in the segment are the Caliber (a tall, crossover wannabe hatchback), the Compass (a disfigured, brand damaging mistake in Jeep's lineup), the Patriot (a Jeep SUV wannabe poser, although it seems to be selling well), and the PT Cruiser (which could be kicking it right now if Chrysler would have bothered to properly redesign it on the Caliber platform). It seems Chrysler has missed out on some opportunities in the compact segment by improperly utilizing this platform

I do like the overall look of the Caliber; if Chrysler would clean up some of the cheap exterior details (too much flat black plastic elements: side mirrors, door handles, roof rails) and improve/refine the interior, it would make more of an impact in the segment (maybe a midcycle restyle will bring these upgrades to market). I would like to see the next generation morph into more of a true compact crossover for the Dodge Division to properly compete against other entries in that segment.

The Patriot would benefit from some of the same proposed improvements that are listed above for the Caliber as a midcycle refresh.

The Compass needs to be discontinued in order to use the production capacity to bring a successor/replacement to the PT Cruiser to market for Chrysler as well as a compact sedan and coupe for Dodge. I would like to see these products designed on an improved/updated/upgraded next generation version of the Caliber/Patriot platform.

I think the PT Cruiser successor should ditch the name and retro styling of the current car and evolve into a modern, sleek, Euro-inspired 3-door/5-door/coupe-cabrio that would herald a new design direction for the entire Chrysler Division. I think the "Chronos" name should be used for this edgy, trend setting new product for the Chrysler Division (which could be positioned as a premium, near luxury competitor to Acura and Lincoln if the division was given properly executed products). It would have a refined, upscale, class leading interior and would be propelled by turbocharged 1.8(base)/2.4(upgrade) liter 4 cylinders with direct injection and 6 speed automatics. The car could also offer hybrid and/or diesel engine options. I think a premium 3-door/5-door/coupe-cabrio configuration for an entry level Chrysler would enable Chrysler to be more competitive in global markets as well as allow the division to offer something unique and differentiated from its Dodge Division platform mate. (An alternative plan to the FWD Chronos would be to leverage Chrysler's partnership with Nissan to develop a small RWD sedan/wagon/coupe-cabrio on the FM platform that would resurrect the "LeBaron" name; actually, a RWD Nissan based compact product could serve as an alternative to the Chronos or a step-up product positioned above the Chronos).

The Dodge division would receive a sporty sedan/coupe with design elements inspired by the Zeo Concept that would also set a new design direction for future Dodge Division car products. I think the resurrected "Stealth" name would be a perfect fit for the sporty appearance and attitude of this car. Engine choices for this car would have to be expanded compared to its Chrysler Chronos platform mate in order for this car to serve double duty as a fuel efficient mainstream compact as well as a player in the sport compact arena. Some sort of normally aspirated 4 cylinder engine (with direct injection and six speed manual and automatic transmissions) would serve as the base engine. The Chronos engine offerings could serve as upgrades on the Stealth. The interior should be well executed to become the benchmark for mainstream, volume cars in the compact segment.

It would be great to see Chrysler LLC evolve into an ultra competitive, class leading car company with its compact products leading the way to the company's turnaround in a fuel efficiency conscious world market.

[enzl]

Exactly. Compact cars are more popular than ever before due to astronomical gas prices and all Chrysler LLC has in its arsenal to do battle in the segment are the Caliber (a tall, crossover wannabe hatchback), the Compass (a disfigured, brand damaging mistake in Jeep's lineup), the Patriot (a Jeep SUV wannabe poser, although it seems to be selling well), and the PT Cruiser (which could be kicking it right now if Chrysler would have bothered to properly redesign it on the Caliber platform). It seems Chrysler has missed out on some opportunities in the compact segment by improperly utilizing this platform

I do like the overall look of the Caliber; if Chrysler would clean up some of the cheap exterior details (too much flat black plastic elements: side mirrors, door handles, roof rails) and improve/refine the interior, it would make more of an impact in the segment (maybe a midcycle restyle will bring these upgrades to market). I would like to see the next generation morph into more of a true compact crossover for the Dodge Division to properly compete against other entries in that segment.

The Patriot would benefit from some of the same proposed improvements that are listed above for the Caliber as a midcycle refresh.

The Compass needs to be discontinued in order to use the production capacity to bring a successor/replacement to the PT Cruiser to market for Chrysler as well as a compact sedan and coupe for Dodge. I would like to see these products designed on an improved/updated/upgraded next generation version of the Caliber/Patriot platform.

I think the PT Cruiser successor should ditch the name and retro styling of the current car and evolve into a modern, sleek, Euro-inspired 3-door/5-door/coupe-cabrio that would herald a new design direction for the entire Chrysler Division. I think the "Chronos" name should be used for this edgy, trend setting new product for the Chrysler Division (which could be positioned as a premium, near luxury competitor to Acura and Lincoln if the division was given properly executed products). It would have a refined, upscale, class leading interior and would be propelled by turbocharged 1.8(base)/2.4(upgrade) liter 4 cylinders with direct injection and 6 speed automatics. The car could also offer hybrid and/or diesel engine options. I think a premium 3-door/5-door/coupe-cabrio configuration for an entry level Chrysler would enable Chrysler to be more competitive in global markets as well as allow the division to offer something unique and differentiated from its Dodge Division platform mate. (An alternative plan to the FWD Chronos would be to leverage Chrysler's partnership with Nissan to develop a small RWD sedan/wagon/coupe-cabrio on the FM platform that would resurrect the "LeBaron" name; actually, a RWD Nissan based compact product could serve as an alternative to the Chronos or a step-up product positioned above the Chronos).

The Dodge division would receive a sporty sedan/coupe with design elements inspired by the Zeo Concept that would also set a new design direction for future Dodge Division car products. I think the resurrected "Stealth" name would be a perfect fit for the sporty appearance and attitude of this car. Engine choices for this car would have to be expanded compared to its Chrysler Chronos platform mate in order for this car to serve double duty as a fuel efficient mainstream compact as well as a player in the sport compact arena. Some sort of normally aspirated 4 cylinder engine (with direct injection and six speed manual and automatic transmissions) would serve as the base engine. The Chronos engine offerings could serve as upgrades on the Stealth. The interior should be well executed to become the benchmark for mainstream, volume cars in the compact segment.

It would be great to see Chrysler LLC evolve into an ultra competitive, class leading car company with its compact products leading the way to the company's turnaround in a fuel efficiency conscious world market.

I see a Neon & PT Cruiser replacement as being a smarter bet than the Caliber & Compass....

09 Compass/Patriot/Caliber will see 'improved' interiors. Ironically, the Compass is supposedly a decent seller outside of the States, so it may have a stay of execution.

Chrysler is in survival mode...if nothing else, the money-men behind them have an idea of what it will cost to right the ship. Whether or not they choose to pay that tab is another story.

[Chicagoland]

Well, Mopar thought that sedans were dying, so bye bye Neon. But then they also thought making soft Jeeps was good idea.

The LX cars are now so low, they are just niche cars. The ones who proclaimed that "RWD was coming back big time" when the 300C was hot were DOA.

Edited July 4, 2008 by Chicagoland

[cire]

The LX cars are now so low, they are just niche cars. The ones who proclaimed that "RWD was coming back big time" when the 300C was hot were DOA.

Another example of a missed opportunity for Chrysler. They made an initial splash when the LX cars were introduced and they seemed so content to ride this wave that they totally neglected to make their upcoming midsize sedans (2007 Chrysler Sebring and 2008 Dodge Avenger) competitive at all. I don't blame Chrysler for this as much as I blame the blood sucking Daimler regime that controlled Chrysler and allowed this scenario to take place. This is another huge area of opportunity for Chrysler LLC. If moving the next generation midsize Chrysler Division sedan to RWD is not a feasible choice, then I would like to see Chrysler leverage their partnership with Nissan to obtain access to their D platform to develop a replacement for the Sebring as well as the Avenger (which is a plan I would have suggested for the Avenger replacement anyway).

The Avenger replacement would be a sedan/coupe combo that resurrects the "Intrepid" name and continues with the sporty ZEO Concept design cues that were initiated into the Dodge Division by the Stealth compact car proposed in my previous post. The Sebring replacement would be a sedan/wagon/coupe-cabrio combo that resurrects the "Concorde" name and continues the sleek, modern, and premium Euro-inspired design direction that the Chronos compact car introduced to the Chrysler Division. I think Nissan has proven that the D platform is flexible enough to underpin a mainstream entry (Altima) as well as a more upscale product (Maxima). The platform should prove flexible enough to differentiate the midsize entries for the sporty, yet mainstream Dodge Intrepid and its premium level Chrysler Concorde platform mate.

As far as the fullsize 300 and Charger, Chrysler LLC needs to work hard to update the LX platform to be lighter and more fuel efficient. I would like to see the next gen Charger move closer stylistically to the sleek and sporty Charger R/T Concept sedan as well as further evolve the design language initiated by the Stealth compact. The 300 has effectively done the retro styled "Big, Bold, & American" look; the next generation needs to take on a sleeker, more upscale international appearance that might suggest to the buying public that it is a more aerodynamic and fuel efficiency conscious machine instead of a blocky, gas guzzlilng icon of the past. I do like the looks of the current 300 (and consider it a future classic), but the design theme has not aged well; especially in the changing market climate of perpetually rising fuel costs. I think the next generation Chrysler Division fullsize car should come in sedan and wagon forms and maybe sport a name change from "300" to either "Imperial" or even "Atlantic" maybe (actually "Atlantic" might better reinforce the international intentions of the division and the company).

This company has so much untapped potential, but it will take a lot of sacrifice, commitment, and funds to make a successful and lasting turnaround. It would be great to see it happen, but I think it is a long shot pipe dream.

Edited July 5, 2008 by cire