Chrysler Group LLC today reported U.S. sales of 163,381 units, a 34 percent increase compared with sales in March 2011 (121,730 units), and the group's best monthly sales in four years.
The Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram Truck, and FIAT brands each posted sales increases in March versus the same month a year ago. The FIAT brand led the charge with a 642 percent year-over-year increase, setting a monthly sales record. The brand bested its previous high established in February. The brand's Fiat 500, with its Italian design and city-friendly functionality, was launched in the U.S. in March last year.
Chrysler Group recorded its 24th-consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains and its 10th-consecutive month of sales increases of at least 20 percent. Every Chrysler Group model in production for more than 12 months recorded a year-over-year sales increase in March. Chrysler Group also logged its best first quarter since 2008.
Chrysler Group beat the industry average sales increase for the 13th-consecutive month in March. The Chrysler 200 mid-size sedan, the Dodge Challenger muscle car, and the Dodge Journey full-size crossover each set monthly sales records.
'The combination of credit availability, an improving economy, pent-up demand and even high fuel prices encouraging people to acquire newer more fuel-efficient vehicles are all helping to drive industry sales,' said Reid Bigland, President and CEO - Dodge Brand and Head of U.S. Sales. 'Thanks to these factors we experienced sales strength across the board with our March sales up 34 percent and our first quarter sales up a whopping 39 percent.'
Chrysler Group sedans, minivans, SUVs, and pickup trucks all contributed to the company's 34 percent sales gain in March. The Chrysler brand's flagship Chrysler 300 full-size sedan and the Chrysler 200 each posted year-over-year sales gains in the triple digits.
All five Jeep brand models posted gains, the Chrysler Town & Country and the Dodge Grand Caravan minivans recorded double-digit sales increases, and the Ram pickup truck, even in the face of soaring gas prices across the country, recorded a March sales gain. Ram pickup sales were up 23 percent, the truck's 23rd-consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains.
Chrysler Group finished the month with a 59-days supply of inventory (346,939 units). U.S. industry sales figures for March are projected at an estimated 14.7 million units Seasonally Adjusted Annual Rate (SAAR).
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