Chrysler Group LLC today reported U.S. sales of 193,915 units, a 13% increase over the same month in 2013 (171,606 units) and the best March sales since 2007. The Jeep®, Dodge, Ram Truck, and Fiat brands all posted increases and Chrysler Group extended its streak of year-over-year sales gains to 48-consecutive months.
“We are entering the spring selling season on a high note as our Jeep and Fiat brands recorded their best sales months ever and Chrysler Group extended its streak in March to 48-consecutive months of year-over-year sales increases,” said Reid Bigland, Head of U.S. Sales. “Our Ram pickup truck posted its best March sales in 10 years.”
Jeep brand sales were up 47% in March, the brand’s best sales month ever as all five Jeep brand models posted sales gains. The brand’s 47% increase was also the largest percentage sales gain of any Chrysler Group brand in March. The Jeep Compass and Jeep Patriot each recorded their best ever monthly sales, while the Jeep Wrangler posted its best sales for the month of March. Sales of the all-new Jeep Cherokee were up 17% compared with sales in February, the model’s second-best monthly sales performance since arriving at dealerships in October. Sales of the Jeep Grand Cherokee were up 26%, its best March sales in nine years and the largest percentage sales increase of any Jeep brand model in March.
The Jeep brand unveiled the all-new 2015 Jeep Renegade, the brand’s first entry in the small SUV segment, at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show in March. The Renegade delivers a unique combination of best-in-class off-road capability, open-air freedom and convenience, a segment-first nine-speed automatic transmission that contributes to outstanding on-road and off-road driving dynamics, fuel-efficient engines and a host of innovative safety and advanced technology offerings.
Ram Truck brand sales were up 29% in March, the brand’s best sales in the month of March since 2007. Sales of the Ram pickup truck were up 26%, marking the 47th-consecutive month of year-over-year gains and the best March in 10 years. Ram Light Duty sales increased 24% in March, while Ram Heavy Duty pickups were up 28%. Shipments of the Ram 1500 EcoDiesel truck began arriving at dealerships in March and more than 8,000 orders have been received so far.
Sales of the Ram ProMaster were up 85% in March, the full-size van’s second best sales month since its launch in October. With its 19% increase, the Ram Cargo Van recorded its best March sales ever.
Fiat brand sales were up 24% in March, its best sales month since the brand returned to the U.S. market in 2011. It was the brand’s fourth-consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains. The Fiat 500 had its best sales month so far this year in March, while sales of the Fiat 500L were up 78% compared with the previous month of February. It also was the 500L’s best sales performance since launch in June. Sales of the Fiat 500e all-electric vehicle were up 95% compared with the previous month of February, while year-over-year sales of the Fiat 500 Cabrio Abarth were up 160% in March.
Dodge brand sales were up 1% in March compared with the same month a year ago, the brand’s best March sales since 2007. The Dodge Durango, Dodge Journey, Dodge Grand Caravan, and Dodge Charger each recorded year-over-year sales gains in March. Sales of the Journey were up 25%, the mid-size crossover’s best sales month ever. Durango sales were up 22% in March compared with the same month a year ago, extending its run of year-over-year sales gains to 17-consecutive months. It was the Durango’s best March sales since 2005.
Grand Caravan sales were up 27% in March, the largest year-over-year percentage sales gain of any Chrysler Group vehicle in March. With its 15% increase, the Dodge Charger had its best March sales since 2007.
Chrysler brand sales were down 23% in March, reflecting the end of production of the 2014 Chrysler 200 mid-size sedan and convertible. Production of the all-new 2015 Chrysler 200 mid-size sedan began in March and is expected to go on sale in the second quarter. Sales of the Chrysler Town & Country were up 14% in March, compared with the same month a year ago. It was the minivan’s best March sales since 2008. The Chrysler 300 had its best sales
month so far this year.
