Chrysler LLC today reported total November 2008 U.S. sales of 85,260 units, down 10 percent versus October 2008 (94,530 units), and down 47 percent from the same month last year. Inside these total numbers, fleet sales decreased 63 percent versus last November, as planned, and retail sales were in line with the retail industry (down 36 percent). The company’s U.S. retail market share increased 0.6 percentage points in November.
“2008 will go down as unlike any other year in the industry, and thus, comparisons to 2007 sales have become irrelevant,” Jim Press, Vice Chairman and President, said. “In this environment, we need to evaluate sales based on month-to-month trends, with the last two months of the year being especially important to determine if we have established a base for sales in 2009. Our goal is to fight to maintain our share of the retail market month-to-month by keeping a strong advertising and incentive presence in the marketplace and finding financing solutions for our customers, roughly 75 percent of whom finance their vehicles with dealer assistance.”
November’s industry sales declines reflect the combined impact of weak consumer confidence and tight credit, and highlight the need for government action. This week Chrysler LLC will present its Viability and Accountability Plan in detail to Congress regarding the Company’s request for an immediate working capital bridge loan.
November Sales Highlights
Sales for the all-new 2009 light-duty Dodge Ram increased as it makes its way to dealerships across the country. While the sell-down of the previous model continues as planned, sales of the 2009 model for the month reached 1,958 units, up 72 percent versus last month. Compared to October 2008, total Dodge Ram sales were down 12 percent (15,538 units), performing better than the industry overall.
Jeep® Liberty sales in November increased 6 percent (4,171 units) compared with October 2008 (3,918 units).
The all-new Dodge Challenger continues to draw attention. Sales of the vehicle reached 3,364 units in November, a 12 percent increase from October 2008 sales.
The Company finished the month with 399,724 units of inventory, or a 117-day supply. Inventory is down 17 percent compared with November 2007, when it totaled 480,424 units.
December Incentives
Chrysler remains committed to supporting customer needs for financing and incentives during the current economic conditions. Current deals provide customers an opportunity to take advantage of solid offers on the remaining 2008 model year inventory at the best deals of the year. The incentive plan will focus on aggressive cash rebates up to $6,000 on 2008 models, up to $3,000 on 2009 models and discounted APR financing that drive lower monthly payments.
In addition to the significant cash incentives, in several markets some 2008 model year vehicles are available with a zero percent APR for up to 72 months; and 2009 model year vehicles are available with an APR as low as 1.9 percent for up to 72 months.
For returning lease customers, Chrysler will offer a Lease Loyalty allowance of up to $750 toward a new retail purchase. For consumers interested in leasing through independent financial institutions, Chrysler offers Bonus Cash of up to $2,000 on select 2008 model year vehicles.
|
Month Sales |
Vol % |
Sales CYTD |
Vol % |
|||
| Model | Curr Yr | Pr Yr | Change | Curr Yr | Pr Yr | Change |
| Sebring | 2,891 | 8,708 | -67% | 68,091 | 83,856 | -19% |
| 300 | 3,423 | 11,512 | -70% | 58,645 | 110,686 | -47% |
| Crossfire | 92 | 193 | -52% | 1,911 | 8,594 | -78% |
| PT Cruiser | 3,597 | 6,769 | -47% | 49,087 | 89,847 | -45% |
| Aspen | 2,013 | 1,515 | 33% | 20,739 | 25,766 | -20% |
| Pacifica | 544 | 4,184 | -87% | 6,771 | 51,938 | -87% |
| Town & Country | 7,457 | 12,629 | -41% | 110,411 | 123,940 | -11% |
| CHRYSLER BRAND | 20,017 | 45,510 | -56% | 315,655 | 494,627 | -36% |
| Compass | 880 | 2,683 | -67% | 24,124 | 36,196 | -33% |
| Patriot | 2,461 | 4,199 | -41% | 53,057 | 35,447 | 50% |
| Wrangler | 6,140 | 8,333 | -26% | 77,567 | 110,236 | -30% |
| Liberty | 4,171 | 6,813 | -39% | 62,382 | 82,164 | -24% |
| Grand Cherokee | 5,203 | 8,489 | -39% | 68,174 | 109,184 | -38% |
| Commander | 1,447 | 4,391 | -67% | 25,506 | 57,206 | -55% |
| JEEP BRAND | 20,302 | 34,908 | -42% | 310,810 | 430,433 | -28% |
| Caliber | 2,755 | 6,313 | -56% | 81,262 | 92,228 | -12% |
| Avenger | 2,362 | 10,242 | -77% | 59,913 | 75,658 | -21% |
| Charger | 5,478 | 10,341 | -47% | 91,953 | 108,174 | -15% |
| Challenger | 3,364 | 0 | 0% | 14,821 | 0 | 0% |
| Viper | 61 | 5 | 1120% | 1,020 | 389 | 162% |
| Magnum | 48 | 2,417 | -98% | 6,881 | 27,978 | -75% |
| Dakota | 1,760 | 3,257 | -46% | 24,343 | 47,829 | -49% |
| Ram P/U | 15,538 | 24,488 | -37% | 229,222 | 326,177 | -30% |
| Journey | 2,815 | 0 | 0% | 42,822 | 0 | 0% |
| Caravan | 6,055 | 13,347 | -55% | 116,822 | 154,824 | -25% |
| Durango | 1,662 | 3,190 | -48% | 19,985 | 43,023 | -54% |
| Nitro | 1,804 | 5,795 | -69% | 34,332 | 67,475 | -49% |
| Sprinter | 1,239 | 1,275 | -3% | 13,468 | 14,934 | -10% |
| DODGE BRAND | 44,941 | 80,670 | -44% | 736,844 | 960,167 | -23% |
| TOTAL CHRYSLER LLC | 85,260 | 161,088 | -47% | 1,363,309 | 1,885,227 | -28% |
| TOTAL CAR | 20,475 | 50,088 | -59% | 385,590 | 519,586 | -26% |
| TOTAL TRUCK | 64,785 | 111,000 | -42% | 977,719 | 1,365,641 | -28% |
| Selling Days | 25 | 25 | 282 | 281 | ||