Chrysler LLC International Sales Increases Sparked by Rapid Growth in Latin America and Asia Pacific Regions
Auburn Hills, Michigan and Stuttgart, Germany (ots/PRNewswire)
- August 2007 sales grew 26 percent and marked the best August in 10
years
- Record 27 consecutive months of year-over-year sales growth
- Year-to-date sales increased 19 percent over 2006
- Sales for the Asia Pacific region jumped 52 percent; Latin American
sales increased 36 percent
- All three Chrysler LLC brands supported international sales growth in
AugustIn markets outside North America, Chrysler LLC sales in August grew 26 percent (18,556 units) over August 2006. The Company has achieved 27 consecutive months of year-over-year sales increases, which has led to a 19 percent increase (153,813 units) in sales from January through August.
"It is important to recognize opportunities outside North America to balance the impact any one region can have on the business," said Michael Manley, Executive Vice President of International Sales, Marketing and Business Development. "Our focus of growth outside North America is not only to increase sales internationally, but also to ensure that the growth is balanced among the Company's three brands. Our goal is for Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge to each account for roughly 30 percent of our International sales in 2009."
For the month, all three of Chrysler Group's brands saw increased sales compared with last year. Chrysler brand sales were up one percent (5,414 units), led by Chrysler 300C sales. Jeep(R) brand sales jumped 30 percent (7,397 units), supported by sales of Jeep Wrangler which more than doubled compared with last year. Dodge brand sales continued the streak of strong performance with a 56 percent increase (5,745 units).
Throughout 2007, Italy remains the top-selling market outside North America (14,049 units sold year-to-date). In August, Venezuela secured the number-two spot for the first time (12,198 units sold year-to-date). The growth in Venezuela and South America can be attributed to continued increases in locally-produced vehicles such as Dodge Caliber and Jeep Grand Cherokee, as well as imported vehicles such as the Dodge Ram and Jeep Wrangler. With sales up 36 percent in August (4,478 units), the rapid growth in Latin America has been a major contributor to the Company's overall growth figures. Additionally, the Asia Pacific region, which had the greatest growth for the month, increased sales by 52 percent (3,233 units). Locally-produced vehicles in this region are also a major driver of increased sales.
"With four solid sales months left in the year, we expect that the momentum will continue," said Thomas Hausch - Vice President of International Sales. "During the Frankfurt Motor Show we will present the new Chrysler Grand Voyager, the new Jeep Cherokee and have the world premier of the Dodge Journey. As these new vehicles make their way into markets, we expect further positive results for all three brands' sales."
Chrysler LLC sells and services vehicles in more than 125 countries around the world, and Chrysler Group sales outside North America currently account for approximately eight percent of the Company's total global sales. Vehicles available range across all three Chrysler brands, with limited availability on some trucks and SUV models. The Company's operations outside North America have been experiencing year-over-year sales increases since 2004, and will continue to increase the number of product offerings, powertrain options and RHD availability through 2007.
Web site: http://media.chrysler.com http://www.chrysler.com
Contact:
Yvonne Malmgren, +1-248-512-1783, cell, +1-248-761-2776,
ym32@chrysler.com, or Mary Gauthier, +49-711-179-8867, cell,
+49-160-865-5489, mary.e.gauthier@dcx.com, both of Chrysler LLC.
NOTE TO EDITORS: For more information, please visit the Chrysler
media site at http://cgmedia.daimlerchrysler.com. For more
information about 2007 labor negotiations, please visit
http://www.chryslerlabortalks07.com.