PREMiERdrum Posted April 1, 2014 Share Posted April 1, 2014 (edited) Chrysler Corporation April 1, 2014 Chrysler Group LLC Reports March 2014 U.S. Sales Increased 13% Best March Sales Since 2007 48th-consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains First quarter sales up 11 percent compared with same quarter in 2013 Jeep®, Dodge, Ram Truck, and FIAT brands each post sales gains in March compared with same month a year ago. Jeep brand records its best sales month ever; March sales up 47 percent FIAT brand up 24 percent; best sales month ever Ram pickup truck sales up 26 percent; best March sales in 10 years Six Chrysler Group vehicles set sales records in March Jeep Grand Cherokee is named 2014 Winter Vehicle of New England for fourth-consecutive year by New England Motor Press Association Chrysler Group LLC today reported U.S. sales of 193,915 units, a 13 percent increase compared with sales in March 2013 (171,606 units), and the group’s best March sales since 2007. The Jeep®, Dodge, Ram Truck, and FIAT brands each posted year-over-year sales gains in March compared with the same month a year ago. The Jeep brand’s 47 percent increase was the largest sales gain of any Chrysler Group brand during the month. Chrysler Group extended its streak of year-over-year sales gains to 48-consecutive months in March. “We are entering the spring selling season on a high note as our Jeep and FIAT brands recorded their best sales months ever and Chrysler Group extended its streak in March to 48-consecutive months of year-over-year sales increases,” said Reid Bigland, Head of U.S. Sales. “Our Ram pickup truck posted its best March sales in 10 years.” Six Chrysler Group vehicles set sales records in March. The Jeep Compass and Jeep Patriot, the Fiat 500L, and the Dodge Journey mid-size crossover each posted their best monthly sales ever. The Jeep Wrangler and Ram Cargo Van each recorded their best sales for the month of March. With its 27 percent increase, the Dodge Grand Caravan had the largest year-over-year percentage sales increase of any Chrysler Group models in March. The Ram pickup truck’s 26 percent increase represented its best March sales in 10 years. The all-new Jeep Cherokee mid-size SUV weighed in with its second best sales month since arriving in dealerships in October. Chrysler Group finished the month of March with a 71 days supply of inventory (525,927 units). U.S. industry sales figures for March are internally projected at an estimated 16.2 million units Seasonally Adjusted Annual Rate (SAAR). March 2014 U.S. Sales Highlights by Brand Jeep® Brand Jeep brand sales were up 47 percent in March, the brand’s best sales month ever as all five Jeep brand models posted sales gains. The brand’s 47 percent increase also was the largest percentage sales gain of any Chrysler Group brand in March. The Jeep Compass and Jeep Patriot each recorded their best ever monthly sales, while the iconic Jeep Wrangler posted its best sales for the month of March. Sales of the all-new Jeep Cherokee mid-size SUV were up 17 percent compared with sales in February, its second-best monthly sales performance since arriving in dealerships in October. Sales of the Jeep Grand Cherokee were up 26 percent, its best March sales in nine years and the largest percentage sales increase of any Jeep brand model in March. The Grand Cherokee was named 2014 Winter Vehicle of New England by the New England Motor Press Association in March. The association cited the Grand Cherokee’s EcoDiesel engine and its eight-speed transmission in selecting the flagship Jeep model for an unprecedented fourth consecutive win. The Jeep brand unveiled the all-new 2015 Jeep Renegade, the brand’s first entry in the small SUV segment, at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show in March. The Renegade delivers a unique combination of best-in-class off-road capability, open-air freedom and convenience, a segment-first nine-speed automatic transmission that contributes to outstanding on-road and off-road driving dynamics, fuel-efficient engines, world-class refinement, and a host of innovative safety and advanced technology offerings. The result is an efficient vehicle created to attract youthful and adventurous customers around the world to the Jeep brand. Ram Truck Brand Sales of the Ram pickup truck were up 26 percent in March, the truck’s best March sales performance in 10 years and its 47th-consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains. Ram Light Duty sales increased 24 percent in March, while Ram Heavy Duty pickups were up 28 percent. Shipments of the Ram 1500 EcoDiesel truck began arriving at Ram Truck dealerships in March from the Warren Truck Assembly Plant in Michigan. Following the Environmental Protection Agency’s best-in-class certification of 28 MPG, Ram Truck received more than 8,000 orders for the fuel efficient truck armed with 420 lb.-ft. of torque and 9,200 lbs. of towing capacity. Ram Truck brand sales were up 29 percent in March, the brand’s best sales in the month of March since 2007. Sales of the Ram ProMaster were up 85 percent in March, the full-size van’s second best sales month since its launch in October. With its 19 percent increase, the Ram Cargo Van recorded its best March sales ever. FIAT Brand FIAT brand sales were up 24 percent in March, its best sales month since the brand returned to the U.S. market in 2011. It was the brand’s fourth-consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains. The Fiat 500 had its best sales month so far this year in March, while sales of the Fiat 500L were up 78 percent compared with the previous month of February. It also was the 500L’s best sales performance since launch in June. Sales of the Fiat 500e all-electric vehicle were up 95 percent compared with the previous month of February, while year-over-year sales of the Fiat 500 Cabrio Abarth were up 160 percent in March. The FIAT brand in March opened orders for the 2014 Fiat 500 1957 Edition, arriving in FIAT studios nationwide in late spring. Pricing for this well-equipped, limited-production model starts at $20,400 U.S. MSRP, which is just $1,900 more than a base Fiat 500 Lounge. The 1957 Edition includes a sport-tuned suspension for improved handling, 16-inch forged aluminum wheels with a retro body color design, throwback “FIAT” badging and a premium Marrone (brown) and Avorio (ivory) leather interior. Dodge Brand The Dodge Durango full-size SUV, Dodge Journey mid-size crossover, Dodge Grand Caravan minivan, and Dodge Charger each recorded year-over-year sales gains in March. Sales of the Journey were up 25 percent, the mid-size crossover’s best sales month ever. Durango sales were up 22 percent in March compared with the same month a year ago, extending its run of year-over-year sales gains to 17-consecutive months. It was the Durango’s best March sales since 2005. Grand Caravan sales were up 27 percent in March, the largest year-over-year percentage sales gain of any Chrysler Group vehicle in March. With its 15 percent increase, the Dodge Charger had its best March sales since 2007. Dodge brand sales were up 1 percent in March compared with the same month a year ago, the brand’s best March sales since 2007. The Journey, America’s most versatile mid-size crossover with available seven-passenger seating, is upping its capability and value quotient by offering the Pentastar 3.6-liter V-6 engine and all-wheel drive (AWD) on SE models for 2014, with a U.S. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $24,895 (excluding $995 destination). The Dodge Journey SE V-6 AWD makes all-wheel drive more accessible within the Journey lineup by $1,800 compared to the SXT model. The Dodge Dart sedan in March was named a “Best Bet” in the compact car category of this year’s edition of The Car Book. It was the Dart’s second-consecutive year as a “Best Bet.” The recognition is based on an analysis of wide-ranging information collected from government and independent sources. The analysis is conducted by The Car Book and the Center for Auto Safety and considers crash test results, safety features, rollover rating, preventative maintenance schedules, repair costs, warranty coverage, fuel economy, complaint data and insurance costs. Chrysler Brand Sales of the award-winning Chrysler Town & Country minivan were up 14 percent in March, compared with the same month a year ago. It was the minivan’s best March sales since 2008. Chrysler brand sales were down 23 percent in March, reflecting the end of production of the 2014 Chrysler 200 mid-size sedan and convertible. The Chrysler 300 flagship sedan had its best sales month so far this year. Production of the all-new 2015 Chrysler 200 mid-size sedan began in March and is expected to go on sale in this second quarter. The new 200 sedan leapfrogs expectations in the mid-size sedan segment for comfort, ride and handling. Engineered to provide premium driving dynamics, highway fuel economy of up to 36 mpg highway, a quiet cabin and an enthusiastic driving experience, the new 200 delivers exceptional ride and handling characteristics for all roads and weather conditions. The 2015 Chrysler 200 with the standard 2.4-liter Tigershark MultiAir®2 I-4 engine is rated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) at 23 mpg city, 36 mpg highway and 28 mpg combined, a five mile per gallon improvement in the highway rating versus the outgoing model. Chrysler Group LLC U.S. Sales Summary Thru March 2014 Month Sales Vol % Sales CYTD Vol % Model Curr Yr Pr Yr Change Curr Yr Pr Yr Change 500 3,316 3,807 -13% 8,473 9,612 -12% 500L 1,422 0 NEW 2,952 0 NEW FIAT BRAND 4,738 3,807 24% 11,425 9,612 19% 200 7,531 16,593 -55% 30,489 36,885 -17% 300 5,367 5,686 -6% 13,000 16,034 -19% Town & Country 13,242 11,626 14% 28,994 26,765 8% CHRYSLER BRAND 26,140 33,905 -23% 72,483 79,684 -9% Compass 5,335 5,111 4% 13,757 12,003 15% Patriot 8,431 7,420 14% 20,474 18,997 8% Wrangler 14,481 12,901 12% 34,674 31,846 9% Liberty 0 1,408 -100% 0 4,972 -100% Grand Cherokee 15,940 12,629 26% 40,838 33,133 23% Cherokee 13,796 0 NEW 36,096 0 NEW JEEP BRAND 57,983 39,469 47% 145,839 100,951 44% Caliber 0 0 0 45 -100% Dart 6,135 8,091 -24% 16,074 22,965 -30% Avenger 8,756 12,439 -30% 21,740 32,047 -32% Charger 10,816 9,386 15% 24,956 26,098 -4% Challenger 4,882 6,132 -20% 11,034 14,540 -24% Viper 67 3 NEW 158 4 NEW Journey 9,125 7,283 25% 23,024 22,992 0% Caravan 14,165 11,110 27% 32,025 26,490 21% Durango 6,629 5,441 22% 16,213 13,570 19% DODGE BRAND 60,575 59,885 1% 145,224 158,751 -9% Ram P/U 42,532 33,831 26% 96,906 77,594 25% Cargo Van 841 709 19% 1,777 1,760 1% ProMaster Van 1,106 0 NEW 2,310 0 NEW RAM BRAND 44,479 34,540 29% 100,993 79,354 27% TOTAL CHRYSLER GROUP LLC 193,915 171,606 13% 475,964 428,352 11% TOTAL CAR 46,870 62,137 -25% 125,924 158,230 -20% TOTAL TRUCK 147,045 109,469 34% 350,040 270,122 30% http://media.chrysler.com/newsrelease.do?id=15481&mid=1 Edited April 1, 2014 by PREMiERdrum Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PREMiERdrum Posted April 1, 2014 Author Share Posted April 1, 2014 And if you'll believe this... GM's sales will not be released due to a "computer malfunction." What are the odds that Ram outsold the Silverado? There's their computer problem: Too much RAM! 7 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anthony Posted April 1, 2014 Share Posted April 1, 2014 But they'll never sell with coil springs! Cherokee ~14k Safe to say this is surpassing everyone's expectations. Dart ~ 6k This just is not catching on. Avenger just went out of production last month, will we see an uptick in sales once inventory is depleted? I still kinda doubt it. Wrangler and Grand Cherokee both up double digits Minis had a very good month. 200 inventory being depleted for next gen so it's down. How the Journey continues to sell so good is beyond me. As for GM...Computer malfunction? What? Was the press release saved on a USB thumb drive that somebody lost? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PREMiERdrum Posted April 1, 2014 Author Share Posted April 1, 2014 As for GM...Computer malfunction? What? Was the press release saved on a USB thumb drive that somebody lost? That's the last time THAT intern gets USB take-home duty. Seriously. RAM was nipping at their heels BEFORE the tsunami of bad news started licking at the RenCen. That isn't clearing up any time soon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PREMiERdrum Posted April 1, 2014 Author Share Posted April 1, 2014 How the Journey continues to sell so good is beyond me. I've always assumed it was propped up by rental agencies and bad credit buyers who need a family vehicle. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anthony Posted April 1, 2014 Share Posted April 1, 2014 I've always assumed it was propped up by rental agencies and bad credit buyers who need a family vehicle. Maybe! It's not long for this world either way. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PREMiERdrum Posted April 1, 2014 Author Share Posted April 1, 2014 Looks like GM numbers will still be out today, albeit delayed... DETROIT –General Motors Co.’s (NYSE: GM) March U.S. sales, originally scheduled to be released at 9:30 a.m. EDT today, will be delayed several hours due to a computer systems issue that impacted dealer sales reporting. The company expects to report its sales this afternoon before the close of business. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fordmantpw Posted April 1, 2014 Share Posted April 1, 2014 Looks like GM numbers will still be out today, albeit delayed... In other words, GM will release the numbers when they figure out a way to fudge them enough to keep the Silverado numbers ahead of the RAM numbers. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PREMiERdrum Posted April 1, 2014 Author Share Posted April 1, 2014 Looking for the full data, but allegedly GM also had the highest incentives this month: $3719 per transaction. Higher than Ford or Chrysler. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RichardJensen Posted April 1, 2014 Share Posted April 1, 2014 The company expects to report its sales this afternoon before the close of business. alternatively: The company expects to dump a load of bad news at 4:59 and hope nobody notices. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PREMiERdrum Posted April 1, 2014 Author Share Posted April 1, 2014 alternatively: Best PR move GM has made in years. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NickF1011 Posted April 1, 2014 Share Posted April 1, 2014 Color me surprised by the Cherokee doing so well. I think part of it also may be a result of Grand Cherokee doing so well with many buyers coming to look at them, being turned off by the sticker, and settling on the cheaper younger brother. Either way for whatever reason, overall Jeep has been coming out with successful product lately, so good on them. Ram. Holy Moly. Always thought they were pretty good looking trucks. Seems buyers were just waiting for it to finally become a complete package from powertrains to interiors to options, etc. This Ram definitely got it right by most counts. Starting to look like all of Dodge isn't going to be long for this world. Will they even bother launching the refreshed Dart as a Dodge or just go the extra mile and swap it over to Chrysler? Only other products the brand has going for it are Caravan and Charger. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grbeck Posted April 1, 2014 Share Posted April 1, 2014 I'm surprised that Dart sales are so weak. It's not THAT bad, and there is no way I'd buy an Avenger over a Dart, no matter how many incentives Chrysler piles on the hood of the former. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anthony Posted April 1, 2014 Share Posted April 1, 2014 It's not a bad car at all. It has a stumbling blocks though: 1) It's new and not established 2) It's priced the same as or more then the segment leaders. 3) It's marketing is non-existent. 4) It's a Dodge. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NickF1011 Posted April 1, 2014 Share Posted April 1, 2014 It's not a bad car at all. It has a stumbling blocks though: 1) It's new and not established 2) It's priced the same as or more then the segment leaders. 3) It's marketing is non-existent. 4) It's a Dodge. Dart had a very strong marketing campaign when it first launched. Seems they've completely abandoned it since. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J-150 Posted April 1, 2014 Share Posted April 1, 2014 It's not a bad car at all. It has a stumbling blocks though: 1) It's new and not established 2) It's priced the same as or more then the segment leaders. 3) It's marketing is non-existent. 4) It's a Dodge. Are people turned off by the FIAT roots? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anthony Posted April 1, 2014 Share Posted April 1, 2014 Are people turned off by the FIAT roots? I don't think many people outside of "internet car folk" know that it is derived from a Fiat platform. Besides, if that were a reason, they wouldn't be buying the Cherokee in the bulk numbers if so. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MadManMoon Posted April 1, 2014 Share Posted April 1, 2014 And if you'll believe this... GM's sales will not be released due to a "computer malfunction." What are the odds that Ram outsold the Silverado? There's their computer problem: Too much RAM! POTW! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AlRozzi Posted April 2, 2014 Share Posted April 2, 2014 Starting to look like all of Dodge isn't going to be long for this world. Will they even bother launching the refreshed Dart as a Dodge or just go the extra mile and swap it over to Chrysler? Only other products the brand has going for it are Caravan and Charger. Funny you should mention that Nick because I was sort of thinking the same thing, only with Dart becoming a Fiat. Last week's Autonews mag had a short-take of Marchionne mentioning the '16 Dart being a bit smaller so Dart is otherwise here to stay. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hoser768 Posted April 2, 2014 Share Posted April 2, 2014 And if you'll believe this... GM's sales will not be released due to a "computer malfunction." What are the odds that Ram outsold the Silverado? There's their computer problem: Too much RAM! Manager1:We got a problem guys, sales numbers say Ram outsold Silverado. Manager2:That can't be right, call IT and see what's going on DBA: Those numbers are correct. Manager1: We have computer issues! Get me somebody that can botch the SQL and get the "right" numbers. Jr. DBA: I fudged it as much as I could, couldn't screw it up bad enought to look good. Manager1: Release the numbers...... and get me a Maalox. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bryan1 Posted April 2, 2014 Share Posted April 2, 2014 GM spokesman Jim Cain dismissed the Ram outselling the Silverado, contending Ram was buying market share with incentives. Both Chevrolet and Ram had truck promotions in March. “The 1980s called. They want their marketing strategy back,” Cain told Automotive News when asked about Ram outselling Silverado. “It’s really easy to deeply discount your truck, mine the subprime market and offer cheap lease deals to buy market share.” A Ram brand spokesman declined to comment on GM’s view and said Ram will continue to focus on its products. http://www.autonews.com/article/20140401/RETAIL01/140409976/ram-pickup-outsells-silverado-for-first-time-since-1999 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PREMiERdrum Posted April 2, 2014 Author Share Posted April 2, 2014 GM spokesman Jim Cain dismissed the Ram outselling the Silverado, contending Ram was buying market share with incentives. Both Chevrolet and Ram had truck promotions in March. “The 1980s called. They want their marketing strategy back,” Cain told Automotive News when asked about Ram outselling Silverado. “It’s really easy to deeply discount your truck, mine the subprime market and offer cheap lease deals to buy market share.” A Ram brand spokesman declined to comment on GM’s view and said Ram will continue to focus on its products. http://www.autonews.com/article/20140401/RETAIL01/140409976/ram-pickup-outsells-silverado-for-first-time-since-1999 One of these companies is handling their external communications with polished poise... And the other is GM. Seriously, "the 1980's called..."? That's their stance? GM is in a tailspin. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sullynd Posted April 2, 2014 Share Posted April 2, 2014 When you live in a glass office tower... Big inflatable at dealer last night "Silverado up to $11,000 off"! Granted its a dealer, but still. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
akirby Posted April 2, 2014 Share Posted April 2, 2014 Wow. Pot/Kettle. Good grief. You can't win selling on price alone - someone will always be there to underbid you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anthony Posted April 2, 2014 Share Posted April 2, 2014 Meanwhile in Washington, Mary Barra is talking about "Today's GM". If Jim Cain is representative of "Today's GM", then they've got no hope whatsoever. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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