- Chrysler Town & Country up 24 percent in July; drives total minivan sales 5 percent higher; considered fuel-efficient alternative
- Fuel-efficient Jeep(R) Patriot is a true success in the market
- Dodge Ram performance improves versus previous month's sales
- Dodge Avenger sedan continues strong performance
- All-new Dodge Challenger SRT8(R) hits the streets with excitement
AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Aug. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Chrysler LLC today reported
total July 2008 U.S. sales of 98,109 units, which is 29 percent below the same
period last year. Total July sales reflect a continued contraction of the
market of pickup trucks and SUV sales and reductions in fleet sales. The
company's recently completed 'Let's Refuel America $2.99 Gas Guarantee'
promotion boosted showroom traffic and helped sales of Chrysler's newest
highly fuel-efficient vehicles throughout the three-month program period. All
sales figures are reported as unadjusted.
'We are writing a new chapter in the auto industry story as customers,
dealers and companies adjust to a changing environment,' Jim Press, Chrysler
LLC Vice Chairman and President, said. 'There are many changes taking place
that give us at the new Chrysler cause for optimism. In the short term, our
2009 model year vehicles with value packages will soon be arriving in
dealerships, and our August incentive packages are the best deals of the year,
helping to make owning as affordable as leasing. Within the product lineup,
our leadership in minivans is well-timed as consumers look for fuel-efficient
alternatives to larger SUVs. Two new fuel-saving hybrid SUVs, the Dodge
Durango and Chrysler Aspen, will be soon hitting the streets. The Dodge
Journey and Jeep Patriot are gaining more customers on the appeal of fuel
efficiency and affordability. And the success of cars like the Dodge Avenger,
Charger and Challenger shows that customers still want their cars to stand out
from the crowd. Lastly, this fall we come to market with our best new pickup
truck ever -- the 2009 Dodge Ram.'
July Highlights
The Chrysler Town & Country posted a 24 percent increase with 8,070 sales
versus July 2007 sales of 6,513 units. With room for seven passengers, and the
industry-exclusive Swivel 'n Go(TM) seating system, the Chrysler Town &
Country could be considered as a fuel-efficient alternative to a full-sized
SUV. Town & Country sales in July helped drive total minivan sales up 5
percent. Total long-wheel-base minivan retail sales increased 21 percent in
July.
The Jeep(R) Patriot continues to gain traction in the market, offering
excellent fuel economy, interior flexibility and utility at a great value.
Total sales of 3,451 were up 4 percent versus last year due to consumer
interest in the company's most fuel-efficient vehicles. Additionally, Jeep
Patriot 2008 year-to-date sales increased 119 percent, with 40,135 total sales
when compared with July 2007 year-to-date sales of 18,286 units.
Response to sales promotions of the Dodge Ram helped lesson the impact of
slow pickup truck demand.