Chrysler Group Reports U.S. April Sales Increase of Three Percent
Auburn Hills, Mich. -- Chrysler Group reported U.S. sales of 200,421 units in April 2002, compared to 187,119 in April 2001, an increase of three percent.
'Having just announced a first quarter operating profit of $111 million (€ 127 million), and with April sales being up three percent, we have every reason to be pleased with our performance,' said Gary Dilts, Senior Vice President - Sales, DaimlerChrysler Corporation. 'Total sales for April show that clear brand identities, desirable products and a strategic incentive plan can spur sales in a tough, competitive environment.'
'The all-new Dodge Ram continues to gain popularity, and total Dodge Ram sales are on track,' added Dilts. Chrysler Group sold 33,900 Dodge Ram trucks last month, led by the all-new 1500 series Dodge Ram truck selling 26,043 units. 'This fall we will complete our Ram truck product line by launching the all-new Ram 2500 and Ram 3500.'
Jeep® Grand Cherokee demand was strong in April, with 19,142 units sold, up 10 percent compared to April 2001. Total Chrysler Group Sport-Utility Vehicle (Wrangler, Liberty, Grand Cherokee, Durango) sales of 46,580 units were up six percent compared to April 2001.
Jeep Liberty sales continue to be strong, selling 12,437 units, up seven percent compared to March levels. 'Jeep Liberty shows that consumers recognize an exciting combination of value, quality and styling,' said Dilts. Total Jeep brand sales were 37,687 units, up 11 percent compared to April 2001.
Chrysler PT Cruiser set an April sales record of 13,128 units, up eight percent compared to the same month last year. 'PT Cruiser remains in a class of its own,' added Dilts.
Total passenger car sales of 51,464 units, were up four percent from year-earlier levels. Several passenger car lines showed double-digit gains from April 2001. Highlights include:
- Chrysler Sebring Sedan sales of 5,218 units were up 18 percent
- Chrysler Concorde sales of 3,232 units were up 30 percent
- Dodge car sales of 34,379 units were up 19 percent
- Dodge Neon sales of 11,490 units were up 22 percent
- Dodge Stratus Sedan sales of 8,267 units were up 19 percent
Dilts went on to say that production continues to remain strong, with 14 of the 17 Chrysler Group assembly plants expected to operate at overtime at some point during the second quarter.
'As we move forward, we have many reasons to be optimistic,' added Dilts. 'Sales and dealer confidence levels are strong. We just extended our consumer incentive programs, we are in the middle of the spring selling season and we just recently launched a national minivan sales program, which is gaining traction daily.'
Chrysler Group finished the month with 472,561 units in inventory, a 59-day supply, compared to 450,641 units in inventory, a 58-day supply, in April 2001. 'Our inventory is right where we would like it to be, especially now that we are in the spring selling season,' stated Dilts.
If you have any questions, please contact our Investor Relations Team:
U.S. IR Office
Timothy Krause (Auburn Hills)
Phone +1/248-512-2923
Fax +1/248-512-2912
e-mail: tsk@daimlerchrysler.com
European IR Office
Lutz Deus (Stuttgart)
Phone +49/711-17-92261
Fax +49/711-17-94109
lutz.deus@daimlerchrysler.com
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