AUBURN HILLS — Chrysler Group LLC today reported U.S. sales of 107,172, a 45 percent increase compared with sales in November 2010 (74,152 units), and the best year-over-year sales gain this year.
Chrysler Group’s 45 percent sales increase was driven by retail sales that were up 51 percent. November was the sixth-consecutive month of sales gains of at least 20 percent. For the 10th month this year, Chrysler Group sales have beaten the average industry sales increase.
“With sales up 45 percent, November was another huge month for the Chrysler Group and our highest year-over-year sales gain of 2011,” said Reid Bigland, President and CEO – Dodge Brand and Head of U.S. Sales. “In addition to having eight Chrysler Group models recognized as Consumers Digest automotive ‘Best Buys’ for the 2012 model year, we also have picked up countless other vehicle awards this year which clearly are reflected in our sales success.”
The Chrysler 300 full-size and Chrysler 200 mid-size sedans significantly contributed to the group’s 45 percent increase in sales. Other models that made an impact include the Dodge Charger sports sedan, Dodge Avenger mid-size sedan, Dodge Durango full-size SUV, Jeep® Compass compact SUV, and the Jeep Grand Cherokee, the most-awarded SUV ever.
The Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge and Ram Truck brands each posted sales increases in November. The Chrysler brand’s 92 percent sales increase was the largest percentage gain of all the Chrysler Group brands and was its best November since 2008.
Chrysler Group finished the month with a 78-day supply of inventory (333,218 units). U.S. industry sales figures for November are projected at an estimated 13.8 million SAAR.
November 2011 U.S. Sales Highlights by Brand
Chrysler Brand
The Chrysler brand’s 92 percent sales increase in November represented the largest percentage increase of any Chrysler Group brand and its best November sales since 2008. Sales of the brand’s new sedans helped drive its 92 percent sales gain. The new 2012 Chrysler 300 full-size sedan, featured in new television and print ads launched Thanksgiving week, posted a solid 215 percent sales increase compared with the same month a year ago. The new ads showcase Detroit and Chrysler’s resolve to ‘See It Through’ the rough times and celebrate a comeback. The 60-second television spot weaves the luxury, craftsmanship and best-in-class capabilities of the Chrysler 300 with the hard-working spirit and toughness of the people of Detroit. It was the best November for Chrysler 300 sales since 2007.
Sales of the new 2012 Chrysler 200 mid-size sedan increased 496 percent in November compared with sales of its predecessor the same month a year ago.
Jeep® Brand
Jeep brand sales were up 50 percent in November, the brand’s best November sales performance since 2003 and its 19th-consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains. All Jeep brand models posted sales gains in November, including a 23 percent increase in Jeep Grand Cherokee sales.The new Jeep Compass logged the largest sales increase. Compass, offering unsurpassed 4×4 fuel economy and off-road capability in the compact-SUV segment, posted an imposing 887 percent sales increase in November, its eighth-consecutive monthly sales record this year. The Compass’ 887 percent increase was by far the largest year-over-year percentage sales gain of any Chrysler Group model in November.
Jeep Wrangler set another monthly sales record in November; the SUV’s sixth-consecutive monthly record this year. Not only were Wrangler sales up 41 percent in November, the most capable and recognized vehicle in the world also received the Residual Value Award in the “Compact Utility” category from ALG, the industry benchmark for residual values and depreciation data. The annual ALG Residual Value Awards recognize vehicles that are predicted to retain the highest percentage of their original price after a conventional three-year period. In addition, Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com named Wrangler Best Resale Value in its class and, for the second consecutive year, one of the Top 10 cars with Best Resale Value.
Dodge Brand
The Dodge brand posted a 43 percent sales increase in November compared with the same month in 2010. The new 2012 Dodge Charger sports sedan and the new 2012 Dodge Avenger mid-size sedan each significantly contributed to the brand’s November increase. Sales of both Dodge models more than doubled compared with the same month a year ago. The Charger, the first domestic sport sedan to feature the state-of-the-art eight-speed automatic transmission, was named a 2012 “All-Star” by Automobile Magazine in November. Sales of the Dodge Journey, America’s most versatile mid-size crossover, were up 38 percent in November while the Dodge Grand Caravan posted a 3 percent sales gain.
The new 2012 Dodge Durango, named “Car of the Month” for November by NADAguides, continues to garner awards and high praise from experts impressed with its best-in-class capability, style, spaciousness, interior craftsmanship and driving dynamics. The full-size SUV posted incremental sales of 3,947 units in November.
The special-edition 2012 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 Yellow Jacket and 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 Super Bee models made their public debut at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show in November.
Ram Truck Brand
Ram pickup truck sales increased 8 percent in November, its best November since 2007. The Ram Truck brand in November began offering a new Ram 1500 Crew Cab 4×4 Special Service package for law enforcement and other emergency agencies through Chrysler Group Fleet sales. The newest Ram model features a selection of severe-duty-adapted equipment available on the 2012 Ram 1500 and several unique features, including 100,000-mile sparkplugs and a larger oil cooler to protect the engine during the unforgiving stop-and-go operations associated with first responders.
One of the Ram Truck brand’s greatest innovations for the pickup truck – RamBox®, received the Automotive Innovation Award in November in the Body Exterior Category from the Society of Plastics Engineers for creative and ingenuous use of plastics in the automotive industry. RamBox is a segment-exclusive cargo management system that provides secure storage options for tradesmen, craftsmen, sportsmen, athletes and outdoorsmen.
