Chrysler Group May 2004 Sales Improve 5 Percent
* Chrysler Group Posts Sales Increases Seven of Past Eight Months * Retail Sales Increase 12 Percent Year-Over-Year * New Chrysler 300 Sales Surge 350 Percent Over Previous Model * Chrysler brand posted its highest monthly sales total in history * Sales of Dodge Caravan Minivan with Stow 'n Go Seating Increase 12 Percent * Jeep(R) Brand Sales Increase 10 Percent, Continuing Strong Momentum
AUBURN HILLS, Mich., June 2 -- On the strength of recent product introductions and led by a 12 percent increase in retail sales, Chrysler Group reports sales of 220,131 units for May 2004, a 5 percent increase over May 2003 when 217,411 units were sold.
"We are excited about the response our new products are receiving in the market," said Dieter Zetsche, President and CEO, Chrysler Group. "The strength of our product offensive and consumers' response is what enabled Chrysler Group to post increased sales seven of the last eight months and achieve a strong rise in retail sales."
Chrysler brand posted its highest monthly sales total in history to 57,333 units, an increase of 27 percent. Led by the brand's new flagship sedan, the new Chrysler 300 experienced stellar sales performance, posting sales of 13,079 units, an increase of 350 percent over the previous 300 model. Additional Chrysler brand highlights:
* Chrysler Pacifica sales increased 179 percent to 6,633 units; and, * Chrysler Crossfire sets all-time monthly sales record with 1,669 units.
"The last time a Chrysler passenger car sold more than 10,000 retail units in one month was September 1986, when the company sold 10,000 Chrysler LeBarons and 13,000 Chrysler Fifth Avenues," said Gary Dilts, Chrysler Group Senior Vice President - Sales. "Our new products speak for themselves."
Jeep(R) brand sales increased 10 percent to 41,765 units. Other Jeep vehicle highlights:
* Jeep Wrangler posted a sales increase of 15 percent to 8,350 units;
* Jeep Liberty sales for May 2004 were 15,414 units, an increase of 1 percent; and,
* Jeep Grand Cherokee sales increased 17 percent to 18,001 units.
While the Dodge brand saw a decrease of 4 percent compared to year ago levels, sales highlights for the brand include:
* Dodge Durango sales surged 30 percent over year ago totals to 15,817 units;
* Dodge Ram pickup was the Dodge brand volume leader with 42,635 units sold, breaking even with year ago levels; and,
* Dodge Caravan with Stow 'n Go seating posted sales of 25,695 units, a strong increase of 12 percent compared to year ago levels.
Chrysler Group finished the month with 588,127 units of inventory, a 69 day supply.
DaimlerChrysler Corporation U.S. Sales Summary Thru May 2004
Month Sales DR % Sales CYTD DR %
Model Curr Yr Pr Yr Change Curr Yr Pr Yr Change
Sebring 10,808 10,540 6% 48,648 45,875 6%
Concorde 388 4,502 -91% 2,904 17,089 -83%
300 13,694 2,909 389% 28,347 13,402 112%
Prowler 0 21 -100% 0 408 -100%
Crossfire 1,669 0 0% 6,197 0 0%
PT Cruiser 10,449 10,563 3% 53,632 51,303 5%
Pacifica 6,633 2,471 179% 33,997 4,828 604%
Town & Country 13,692 16,011 -11% 58,559 63,912 -8%
CHRYSLER BRAND 57,333 47,017 27% 232,284 196,817 18%
Wrangler 8,350 7,557 15% 37,746 26,672 42%
Liberty 15,414 15,908 1% 72,740 65,958 10%
Grand Cherokee 18,001 15,919 17% 82,201 74,629 10%
JEEP BRAND 41,765 39,384 10% 192,687 167,259 15%
Neon 10,886 13,364 -15% 54,324 56,027 -3%
Stratus 10,065 11,376 -8% 46,037 48,523 -5%
Intrepid 626 10,942 -94% 5,957 42,588 -86%
Viper 186 274 -30% 779 1,044 -25%
Magnum 2,320 0 0% 2,320 0 0%
Dakota 11,019 11,417 0% 45,563 49,599 -8%
Ram P/U 42,635 44,074 0% 178,764 177,186 1%
Caravan 25,695 23,872 12% 105,715 110,486 -4%
Durango 15,817 12,588 30% 54,419 46,179 18%
Ram Van/Wagon 820 2,987 -71% 4,171 10,362 -60%
Sprinter Van 964 116 763% 3,626 204 1677%
DODGE BRAND 121,033 131,010 -4% 501,675 542,198 -7%
TOTAL CHRYSLER GROUP 220,131 217,411 5% 926,646 906,274 2%
TOTAL CG CAR 50,412 53,928 -3% 199,881 224,956 -11%
TOTAL CG TRUCK 169,719 163,483 8% 726,765 681,318 7%
Selling Days 26 27 128 128
