Chrysler Group Reports February 2005 U.S. Sales Increase 8 Percent
* Chrysler Brand Sales Set February Sales Record, Increase 36
Percent * Chrysler 300 Tops 10,000 units for 10th Consecutive Month
* Minivan Sales Rise 10 Percent Year-Over-Year and Continue Segment
Leadership * February Sales Represent 11 Consecutive Months of
Year-Over-Year Sales Gains * Dodge Magnum Sales Increase 4 Percent
Over January Sales * Jeep(R) Sales Show Momentum; Sales
Dramatically Increase 30 Percent over January 2005 Results AUBURN
HILLS, Mich., March 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Chrysler Group
reported U.S. sales for February 2005 of 185,643 units, an increase
of 8 percent over February 2004 sales of 172,647 units. February
represents the 11th consecutive month of year-over-year sales
increases for Chrysler Group, and for 16 of the past 17 months.
"Sales for February show that we are sustaining our momentum and
leading us towards a sixth consecutive successful quarter of
sales," said Gary Dilts, Chrysler Group Senior Vice President -
Sales. "Chrysler brand sales continue their record-setting pace
while Jeep sales are accelerating over January sales as we move
into the spring selling season." Sales of Chrysler brand vehicles
increased 36 percent to a February record 53,575 units. Sales for
February 2004 were 39,405 units. The Chrysler 300 continued to
captivate the public and attract new customers to the Chrysler
brand. February sales for the vehicle were 12,665 units, an
increase of 25 percent over January 2005 sales of 10,112 units and
the 10th consecutive month of sales over 10,000 units. Sales of the
PT Cruiser increased 10 percent to 8,997 units compared to 8,175
units sold in February 2004. Sales of Chrysler Group
industry-leading minivans increased 10 percent to 35,348 units, led
by the Chrysler Town & Country which posted sales of 16,233
units, an increase of 38 percent over February 2004 sales of 11,796
units. Dodge Caravan, the industry leader in minivan sales, posted
sales of 19,115 units, a decline of 7 percent compared to 20,484
units sold last year. "Sales of Chrysler Group's industry-leading
minivans with the exclusive Stow 'n Go(TM) feature continue to be
an attractive selling feature that customers request by name," said
Dilts. "It is the most unique and exclusive feature that makes our
minivans stand out among the sea of similar minivan nameplates."
Dodge brand sales improved 2 percent by posting sales of 96,312
units, led by strong sales of the Dodge Durango which posted sales
of 12,998 units, an increase of 32 percent. February 2004 sales of
Dodge Durango were 9,856 units. Dodge Magnum continued its solid
performance in the marketplace rising 4 percent to 5,248 units
compared to January 2005 sales of 5,067 units. Jeep(R) brand sales
declined by 8 percent, but showed signs of acceleration as February
sales improved 30 percent to 35,756 units over January in advance
of the spring selling season. January 2005 sales were 27,465 units.
Deliveries of the all-new Grand Cherokee, which recently received
the government's highest ratings for frontal and side impact
protection, have arrived at dealers and sales are accelerating
compared to January 2005 sales, rising 22 percent to 15,531 units.
Jeep Liberty sales declined slightly by 3 percent when compared to
last year, but posted sales of 15,027 units, a 37 percent
improvement compared to January 2005 results. Jeep Wrangler posted
sales of 5,198 units, a 39 percent improvement over January 2005
sales of 3,743 units. "The industry held up well despite severe
weather in many parts of the country," said Dilts. "We anticipate
some pent-up demand and expect good results in March. Our product
lineup is currently the youngest in the industry. With at least 5
new products coming this year, we are in a great position to play
offense." Chrysler Group finished the month with 607,580 units of
inventory, or a 79-day supply. DaimlerChrysler Corporation U.S.
Sales Summary Thru February 2005 Month Sales DR% Vol% Sales CYTD
DR% Vol% Model Curr Yr Pr Yr Change Change Curr Yr Pr Yr Change
Change Sebring 7,732 10,349 -25% -25% 14,038 17,905 -18% -22%
Concorde 36 667 -95% -95% 72 1,273 -94% -94% 300 12,665 912 1289%
1289% 22,777 1,876 1165% 1114% Crossfire 902 1,052 -14% -14% 1,776
1,522 22% 17% PT Cruiser 8,997 8,175 10% 10% 16,884 18,681 -6% -10%
Pacifica 7,010 6,454 9% 9% 12,246 12,916 -1% -5% Town & Country
16,233 11,796 38% 38% 27,587 19,168 50% 44% CHRYSLER BRAND 53,575
39,405 36% 36% 95,380 73,341 35% 30% Wrangler 5,198 6,960 -25% -25%
8,941 12,351 -25% -28% Liberty 15,027 15,432 -3% -3% 25,994 28,133
-4% -8% Grand Cherokee 15,531 16,610 -6% -6% 28,286 31,794 -7% -11%
JEEP BRAND 35,756 39,002 -8% -8% 63,221 72,278 -9% -13% Neon 12,390
11,807 5% 5% 23,648 22,565 9% 5% Stratus 7,998 8,831 -9% -9% 16,382
14,210 20% 15% Intrepid 38 1,323 -97% -97% 91 3,364 -97% -97% Viper
104 137 -24% -24% 179 243 -23% -26% Magnum 5,248 0 0% 0% 10,315 0
0% 0% Dakota 8,250 8,452 -2% -2% 14,339 14,263 5% 1% Ram P/U 29,202
31,848 -8% -8% 53,526 59,869 -7% -11% Caravan 19,115 20,484 -7% -7%
32,912 38,016 -10% -13% Durango 12,998 9,856 32% 32% 21,991 18,744
22% 17% Ram Van/Wagon 73 767 -90% -90% 131 1,621 -92% -92% Sprinter
Van 896 735 22% 22% 1,639 1,134 51% 45% DODGE BRAND 96,312 94,240
2% 2% 175,153 174,029 5% 1% TOTAL CHRYSLER GROUP 185,643 172,647 8%
8% 333,754 319,648 9% 4% TOTAL CG CAR 42,858 35,400 21% 21% 80,887
63,377 33% 28% TOTAL CG TRUCK 142,785 137,247 4% 4% 252,867 256,271
3% -1% Selling Days 24 24 48 50 DATASOURCE: Chrysler Group CONTACT:
Kevin McCormick, +1-248-512-6218, or Lori McTavish,
+1-248-512-2642, both of Chrysler Group Web site:
http://www.media.daimlerchrysler.com/
http://www.daimlerchrysler.com/
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