Chrysler Group LLC today reported U.S. sales of 154,866 units, an 11% increase over the same month in 2013 (139,015 units) and the best February sales since 2007
The Chrysler, Jeep®, Ram Truck and Fiat brands all posted increases and Chrysler Group extended its streak of year-over-year sales gains to 47-consecutive months.
“The severe weather has been ideally suited for our legendary Jeep 4×4 capability as Jeep brand sales were up 47% and the brand had its best February sales ever,” said Reid Bigland, Head of U.S. Sales. “Overall, February was another solid month for Chrysler Group as our total sales were up 11% and we achieved our 47th-consecutive month of year-over-year sales growth.”
Jeep sales were up 47% over the prior year, representing the brand’s best February sales ever and the largest percentage sales gain of any Chrysler Group brand for the month. The Jeep Compass, Jeep Patriot and Jeep Wrangler all set February sales records. Jeep Grand Cherokee sales were up 34%, the largest percentage gain of any Chrysler Group model for the month. Sales of the all-new Jeep Cherokee mid-size SUV were up 12% compared with sales in January, the model’s second-best monthly sales performance since arriving at dealerships in October.
Sales of the Ram pickup truck were up 26% in February, marking the 46th-consecutive month of year-over-year gains and the best February since 2006. Ram Light Duty sales increased 30% compared with February a year ago, while Ram Heavy Duty pickups were up 19%. During the month, the brand started shipping the Ram 1500 EcoDiesel, which earned a 28-mpg rating from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. That represents the best highway-cycle test result ever achieved by a full-size, half-ton pickup. The Ram Cargo Van recorded its best February sales ever with an 8% increase.
Fiat sales were up 5% in February, the brand’s best February sales since returning to the U.S. market in 2011 and its third-consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains. The Fiat 500 Abarth, Fiat 500e all-electric vehicle and Fiat 500 Cabrio Abarth all posted increases over February one year ago. Sales of the all-new Fiat 500L were up 10% compared with the previous month of January.
Chrysler brand sales were up 1% year-over-year, led by the Chrysler 200, which posted a 5% increase and its best February sales ever. The all-new 2015 Chrysler 200 will arrive in dealerships during the second quarter of this year. Chrysler Town & Country sales were up 1% in February, the minivan’s best February sales in two years and its seventh-consecutive month of year-over-year gains.
Dodge brand sales were down 11% in February compared with the same month a year ago, but up 43% compared with January. Sales of the Dodge Durango full-size SUV were up 15%, extending its run of year-over-year gains to 16-consecutive months. It was also the Durango’s best February sales since 2006. The Dodge Journey mid-size crossover recorded its best February sales ever, while sales of the Dodge Grand Caravan minivan were up 1%.
