* Chrysler 300 Sales Rise 13 Percent Year-Over-Year * Jeep(R)
Compass Continues Arriving at Dealerships to Positive Customer
Reception * Chrysler Town & Country Sales Improve 9 Percent
Over Last Year * Zero-percent for 72 Months Incentive Program
Announced for 2006 Models AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Sept. 1
/PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Moving in stride with overall industry
sales trends this month, Chrysler Group reported U.S. sales for
August of 179,165 units, a decrease of 8 percent (4 percent
decrease unadjusted) compared to August 2005 sales of 187,085
units. All sales are reported on an adjusted basis unless otherwise
indicated. "Our product portfolio transition continues with the
successful launch of the Jeep(R) Compass on the heels of the
brisk-selling Dodge Caliber along with eight additional products
this year," said Steven Landry, Chrysler Group, Vice President -
Sales and Field Operations. "Strong customer demand for the Dodge
Caliber and the Jeep Compass has set the standard for our other
vehicle launches." Chrysler Group saw sales strength in several key
products during August, including the Chrysler 300, Chrysler Town
& Country, Dodge Charger, Dodge Caliber and the Jeep Compass.
Strong sales of the Chrysler 300 and Chrysler Town & Country
minivan helped to push the Chrysler brand to sales of 47,132 units,
an increase of 3 percent over previous year sales of 44,279 units.
The Chrysler 300 posted sales of 11,703 units, an increase of 13
percent over August 2005 sales of 9,934 units. Sales of the
Chrysler Town & Country increased 9 percent to 11,981 units
compared to 10,614 units sold in August 2005. The Jeep brand posted
sales of 42,243 units, a slight increase compared to previous year
sales of 40,659 units for the brand. The Jeep Commander posted
sales of 8,012 units, a 1 percent increase over July 2006 sales of
7,363 units. The Jeep Compass is beginning to arrive at Jeep
dealers nationwide and feedback is positive from dealers and
customers. Sales of the Jeep Compass totaled 2,061 units this month
despite limited availability, as dealers are still receiving
shipments. The Dodge brand saw strong sales from several products
within its portfolio during August. Sales of the Dodge Caliber
continue to be brisk with 8,877 units sold this month, an increase
of 14 percent over July 2006 sales of 7,187 units. Demand for the
Dodge Caliber continues to be strong; days supply for the vehicle
is 23 days. The Dodge Charger posted sales of 10,461 units, an
increase of 93 percent compared to August 2005 sales of 5,222
units. The Dodge Dakota posted a sales increase of 4 percent to
8,891 units. Sales of the Dodge Dakota totaled 8,206 units last
year. Beginning today, Chrysler Group announces 0 percent financing
for 72 months on nearly all 2006 model year vehicles. Qualifying
customers can choose zero percent financing for up to 72 months or
cash back amounts up to $5,000. The program runs through Oct. 2,
2006. Chrysler 300, Dodge Magnum and Dodge Charger vehicles are
excluded. "We wanted to address customer concerns about higher
interest rates and fuel prices," said Mike Manley, Chrysler Group,
Vice President - Sales Strategy and Dealer Operations. "This
first-time program will allow consumers to own a new vehicle that
fits their budget and reinforces the value of products we offer to
customers." Chrysler Group finished the month with 502,946 units of
inventory, or a 76-day supply. DaimlerChrysler Corporation U.S.
Sales Summary Thru August 2006 Month Sales DR % Vol % Model Curr Yr
Pr Yr Change Change Sebring 1,188 5,853 -80% -80% Concorde 0 0 0%
0% 300 11,703 9,934 13% 18% Crossfire 496 1,262 -62% -61% PT
Cruiser 15,552 9,812 53% 58% Pacifica 6,212 6,804 -12% -9% Town
& Country 11,981 10,614 9% 13% CHRYSLER BRAND 47,132 44,279 3%
6% Compass 2,061 0 0% 0% Wrangler 6,002 7,079 -18% -15% Liberty
11,039 15,649 -32% -29% Grand Cherokee 15,129 17,931 -19% -16%
Commander 8,012 0 0% 0% JEEP BRAND 42,243 40,659 0% 4% Neon 235
10,992 -98% -98% Caliber 8,877 0 0% 0% Stratus 719 6,616 -90% -89%
Intrepid 0 0 0% 0% Charger 10,461 5,222 93% 100% Viper 122 162 -27%
-25% Magnum 5,247 4,585 10% 14% Dakota 8,891 8,206 4% 8% Ram P/U
34,177 38,681 -15% -12% Caravan 13,241 16,678 -24% -21% Durango
5,553 8,465 -37% -34% Ram Van/Wagon 0 0 0% 0% Sprinter Van 2,267
2,540 -14% -11% DODGE BRAND 89,790 102,147 -15% -12% TOTAL CHRYSLER
GROUP 179,165 187,085 -8% -4% TOTAL CG CAR 34,896 41,100 -18% -15%
TOTAL CG TRUCK 144,269 145,985 -5% -1% Selling Days 27 26
DaimlerChrysler Corporation U.S. Sales Summary Thru August 2006
Sales CYTD DR % Vol % Model Curr Yr Pr Yr Change Change Sebring
45,062 62,427 -28% -28% Concorde 0 210 -100% -100% 300 95,475
94,101 1% 1% Crossfire 5,950 10,276 -42% -42% PT Cruiser 95,439
88,437 8% 8% Pacifica 53,439 61,498 -13% -13% Town & Country
112,424 132,907 -15% -15% CHRYSLER BRAND 407,789 449,856 -9% -9%
Compass 2,768 0 0% 0% Wrangler 49,202 59,234 -17% -17% Liberty
90,847 118,878 -24% -24% Grand Cherokee 98,124 149,796 -34% -34%
Commander 55,049 0 0% 0% JEEP BRAND 295,990 327,908 -10% -10% Neon
16,977 86,988 -80% -80% Caliber 59,758 0 0% 0% Stratus 49,913
70,918 -30% -30% Intrepid 0 298 -100% -100% Charger 77,540 16,912
N/M N/M Viper 1,003 1,059 -5% -5% Magnum 28,978 39,795 -27% -27%
Dakota 56,856 77,322 -26% -26% Ram P/U 250,144 283,310 -12% -12%
Caravan 151,858 166,917 -9% -9% Durango 47,765 81,136 -41% -41% Ram
Van/Wagon 0 402 -100% -100% Sprinter Van 14,489 12,295 18% 18%
DODGE BRAND 755,281 837,352 -10% -10% TOTAL CHRYSLER GROUP
1,459,060 1,615,116 -10% -10% TOTAL CG CAR 360,691 357,897 1% 1%
TOTAL CG TRUCK 1,098,369 1,257,219 -13% -13% Selling Days 204 204
DATASOURCE: Chrysler Group CONTACT: Kevin McCormick of Chrysler
Group, +1-248-512-6218, Web site:
http://www.media.daimlerchrysler.com/
http://www.daimlerchrysler.com/
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