.

.
April 02, 2003
.
This Week:

• The All-New 2004 BMW 5 Series

• 3200 Deposits taken for the new Bentley Continental GT

• GM's New 3.6L V-6 VVT To Debut In 2004 Cadillac CTS

• Chrysler Group Reports U.S. March Sales

• PSA Peugeot Citroën Porto Real Plant in Brazil To Start Citroën C3 Production

• Renault presents new-generation particulate filter

• Toyota To Unveil Second Generation Prius And Camry Solara At The 2003 New York International Auto Show

• Volkswagen do Brasil celebrates its 50th anniversary

• GM Reports March Sales Of 391,752, Down 3 Percent

• BMW Group and Brilliance Sign Joint Venture Contract for Planned Production in China

© 1998 - 2003 Copyright & 
Disclaimer
Automotive Intelligence,
www.autointell.com
All Rights Reserved .
For questions please contact
editor@autointell.com  

.
Chrysler Group Reports U.S. March Sales
 

Chrysler, Jeep® and Dodge Brands Continue "Best Values in America" Dodge Ram Pickup Truck Sales Rise 14 Percent All-New Chrysler Pacifica Now in Dealer Showrooms Auburn Hills, Mich. -Chrysler Group reported sales of 201,941 units in March 2003, a three percent decline compared with March 2002, calculated on a day-rate basis. "Despite the economic effects of the military conflict in the Middle East, we're still seeing car and truck shoppers in Chrysler, Jeep® and Dodge dealerships," said Gary Dilts, Chrysler Group Senior Vice President - Sales. "The Chrysler Group held its own in March because we're cutting through the clutter and reaching consumers."

"We plan to continue our 'Best Values in America' message in April because it provides a point of clarity for consumers," added Dilts. "The campaign combines our product, our warranty and incentive messages into one package that clearly offers the best car and truck values in the U.S. automotive market today."

Many of the Chrysler Group's volume models posted year-over-year gains.

Chrysler Group's top seller for the month was the Dodge Ram pickup truck. Dodge sold 38,931 units of the Ram in March, an increase of 14 percent compared to March 2002 when 35,457 vehicles were sold. Chrysler Group reported Dodge Dakota pickup truck sales of 11,620 units, up two percent over last year, which helped drive total Dodge truck sales up six percent compared to March 2002.

Chrysler Group minivan sales of 45,165 units were up five percent over last year. Dodge sold 29,671 Caravans, up 12 percent compared to March 2002, and Chrysler sold 13,307 Town & Country minivans, up nine percent over last year.

Jeep Liberty posted sales of 14,760 units, an increase of 22 percent compared to last year when there were 12,594 units sold. Also making sales gains was the Jeep Wrangler, with sales of 5,497 units, an increase of eight percent compared to year-earlier levels. Total Jeep brand sales were up four percent compared to March 2002.

The all-new Chrysler Pacifica reached showrooms in late March. Dilts commented that all indications are that this innovative new vehicle is off to a fast start in the market.

"Early reaction from dealers and consumers is that Pacifica will clearly be the vehicle of choice in its segment," added Dilts.

Regarding the industry as a whole, Dilts said the general economic environment is still favorable for new vehicle sales.

"Industry analysts tell us the affordability index for new vehicles is the best it's been in the past 25 years," he noted. "We have been translating that in very clear terms for consumers by positioning our products along with a seven-year, 70,000-mile fully transferable powertrain warranty, and very competitive incentives that together equal the 'Best Values in America'."

Chrysler Group finished the month with 535,786 units of inventory, or a 69-day supply that is in-line with industry standards.

(April 1, 2003)