Chrysler Group Continues Global Sales Growth During the Second Quarter 2007
July 06 2007 - 3:52PM
PR Newswire (US)
- Sales in non-U.S. markets increase 10.2 percent in the second
quarter AUBURN HILLS, Mich., July 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The
Chrysler Group today announced that the company achieved growing
sales numbers in markets outside the United States in the second
quarter of 2007. From April to June, the Chrysler Group sold
159,993 vehicles outside of the U.S., an increase of 10.2 percent
compared to the same period of 2006. These second quarter figures
include a sales increase of 10.7 percent in Canada (70,148 units)
and a 20.4 percent sales increase outside of North America (61,743
units). In line with the decline of the Mexico automotive industry
during the second quarter, DaimlerChrysler Mexico sales fell 8
percent to 28,102 units. The increases in sales were driven by the
worldwide appeal and strong customer interest in the Chrysler
Group's new fuel-efficient models including the Chrysler Sebring,
Jeep(R) Compass, Jeep Patriot, Dodge Avenger and the Dodge Caliber.
"The growth in the second quarter of 2007 demonstrates that the
Chrysler Group's plan for sustainable, international growth is
working," said Tom LaSorda, President and CEO, Chrysler Group.
"Building on the solid sales momentum established during the first
quarter of 2007, the second quarter sales increase is in line with
the company's plan to double international growth in five years."
Second Quarter Global Sales Results The Chrysler Group's worldwide
vehicle sales increased by 3.3 percent during the second quarter of
2007 to a total of 735,837 units (2006: 712,521 units). In the
highly competitive market environment of the U.S., Chrysler Group
sales declined 1.4 percent to 183,347 units in June 2007. For the
second quarter, sales rose 1.5 percent to 575,844 units (2006:
567,302 units). The company now offers five fuel-efficient,
four-cylinder engine compact car and SUV models in the U.S.,
including the Chrysler Sebring, Jeep Compass, Jeep Patriot, Dodge
Avenger and the Dodge Caliber. Following its most aggressive
product launch in company history of 10 all-new vehicles in 2006,
the Chrysler Group continues its product offensive with the launch
of eight all-new vehicles in 2007. Maintaining its position as the
second-largest seller of vehicles in Canada to date,
DaimlerChrysler Canada finished the second quarter of 2007 by
increasing sales 10.7 percent to 70,148 units (2006: 63,380 units).
For the month of June, sales rose 24 percent to 22,029 units. "We
are very pleased with the strong Canadian market response to our
new vehicles," said Reid Bigland, President and CEO of
DaimlerChrysler Canada, Inc. "Driven primarily by retail sales of
the fuel-efficient Dodge Caliber, Jeep Patriot and Jeep Compass
models, Chrysler Group's sales in Canada have risen for 11 straight
months." Posting its highest month ever of sales outside of North
America in June 2007, Chrysler Group's International sales
accelerated 20.7 percent to 22,901 units. Also, sustaining 25
consecutive months of year-over-year sales gains; Chrysler Group's
International sales increased 20.4 percent to 61,743 units during
the second quarter of 2007 (2006: 51,280 units). "The strength of
our new product portfolio coupled with the support of our dealer
network outside North America is driving the growth we have seen so
far this year," said Michael Manley, Executive Vice President -
International Sales, Marketing and Business Development, Chrysler
Group. "We expect to maintain the double digit growth this year,
including record export numbers, and continue to strategically grow
production volumes and sales outlets outside North America for all
three brands." Posting its best June ever, DaimlerChrysler Mexico
sales rose 0.3 percent to 10,120 units in June 2007. From April to
June, second quarter sales declined 8 percent to 28,102 units
(2006: 30,559 units) yet Chrysler Group SUVs posted a quarterly
sales gain of 60.5 percent. "DaimlerChrysler Mexico delivered
fantastic sales results last month, reporting its best June ever
for Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge brands," said Joe ChamaSrour,
President and Managing Director of DaimlerChrysler de Mexico. "This
was a great way to close the second quarter." Understanding the
Customer is a Key Element in Recovery and Transformation Plan (RTP)
Focusing on customer loyalty and winning new customers is a major
part of the Chrysler Group's revenue strategy under the Recovery
and Transformation Plan (RTP). The company has a number of research
efforts in place to learn more about consumer wants and needs in
order to help increase future sales. "We're focusing on the
customer loyalty of our current owner base and we plan to address
new customers, or the people that trade in their vehicles from
another brand," said Steven Landry. "One of the issues we strive to
understand better is how to retain our current customers and bring
in new ones. It is a tough game out there and we need to make sure
that we provide the customer with an opportunity that is different
and better than the competition." Euro Camp Jeep, Europe's largest
single-brand 4x4 customer event takes place in France More than
1,500 customers and 650 Jeep vehicles are gathering in southern
France for the ultimate celebration of all things Jeep. For the
first time ever, the Camp Jeep event will be split into two
different programs (June 30 to July 3 and July 4 to 7) to
accommodate the growing number of participants. Jeep aficionados,
their families and friends will flock to Euro Camp Jeep to explore
a full range of activities, including off-road driving trails, fun
vehicle-related challenges, navigation and orienteering trials and
invigorating regional drives through scenic countryside.
Participants will also be given a privileged look at the new Jeep
Grand Cherokee, making its first appearance in Europe with a
refreshed interior and exterior. DATASOURCE: Chrysler Group
CONTACT: Lori McTavish, +1-248-512-2642, cell, +1-248-202-9908, ,
or Lori Pinter, +1-248-512-2882, cell, +1-248-505-4070, , both of
Chrysler Group Web site: http://www.media.daimlerchrysler.com/
http://www.daimlerchrysler.com/
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