Chrysler Group Continues Sales Momentum in Canada, Mexico and International Markets During the First Quarter 2007
April 03 2007 - 7:54PM
PR Newswire (US)
* International sales (outside North America) were up 13.3 percent,
Canada gained 3.5 percent, Mexico up 2.2 percent AUBURN HILLS,
Mich., April 3 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The Chrysler Group today
announced that the company continues to see growing sales numbers
in markets outside the United States in the first quarter of 2007.
From January to March, the Chrysler Group sold 135,907 vehicles
outside of the U.S., an increase of 6.8 percent compared to the
same period in 2006. Those figures for the first three months of
the year include an increase of 3.5 percent in Canada (53,089
units); 2.2 percent in Mexico (30,248 units); and 13.3 percent
outside of North America (52,570 units). The increases in sales
were driven by the worldwide appeal and strong customer interest in
new fuel-efficient models including the Dodge Caliber, Jeep(R)
Compass and the Jeep Patriot. "Increasingly, our vehicles will be
designed from the start with world markets in mind," said Tom
LaSorda, President and CEO, Chrysler Group. "We are continuing with
our global expansion; 2007 will be the year for the largest number
of new-vehicle launches in the company's history." First Quarter
Global Sales Results The Chrysler Group's worldwide vehicle sales
decreased by 2.4 percent in the first three months of 2007 to a
total of 673,156 units (2006: 689,500). In the highly competitive
market environment of the U.S., sales declined 4.4 percent to
537,249 units (2006: 562,244). Following its most aggressive
product launch in company history of 10 all-new vehicles in 2006,
the Chrysler Group continues its product offensive with the launch
of eight all-new vehicles in 2007. The company now offers five
fuel-efficient, four-cylinder engine compact car and SUV models in
the U.S., including the Chrysler Sebring, Jeep Compass, Jeep
Patriot, Dodge Avenger and the Dodge Caliber. DaimlerChrysler
Canada started the first quarter of 2007 by increasing sales 3.5
percent to 53,089 units (2006: 51,279 units). Year-to-date compact
SUV and car sales were 8,092 units, up 281 percent from the
company's year-to- date sales in the same segments last year. The
Chrysler Group's compact vehicle growth is both enlarging the
segments and, in some cases, taking market share from traditional
leaders. "We are pleased to have notched our eighth consecutive
month of sales increases in Canada in March, and to have the
country's second best selling lineup through the first quarter of
2007," said Reid Bigland, President and CEO of DaimlerChrysler
Canada, Inc. "Clearly our newest fuel efficient models, especially
the Dodge Caliber and Jeep Compass, are changing the marketplace
dynamic for the Chrysler Group in Canada." Posting its best first
quarter since 2002, sales in Mexico rose 2.2 percent to 30,248
units (2006: 29,584 units). Chrysler Group SUVs posted a
year-to-date sales gain of 45.4 percent while total truck sales
increased 0.9 percent. Products sold under the Jeep and Dodge
brands posted significant sales gains during the first quarter of
2007 as the company continues to make headway with Mexican
customers in key segments. "We are so happy about DaimlerChrysler
de Mexico results," said Joe ChamaSrour, President and Managing
Director of DaimlerChrysler Mexico. "Our new SUV's are conquering
new terrains; we achieved a 45 percent sales increase in the
segment. This is certainly a great example about Chrysler Group
product offensive." March 2007 marked 22 consecutive months of
year-over-year sales gains, and sales outside of North America
increased 13.3 percent to 52,570 units during the first quarter
(2006: 46,393 units). Demand for the Dodge brand continues as Dodge
Caliber sales outperformed all other Chrysler Group vehicles,
becoming the company's top-selling vehicle outside North America
with sales of 7,964 units year-to-date. Jeep Grand Cherokee and
Chrysler 300C vehicle sales were a close second and third, showing
balanced sales of the top products from each of the Chrysler
Group's three brands. "The efforts of our sales teams in all of our
International regions contributed to this first quarter
performance," said Thomas Hausch, Executive Director of
International Sales and Marketing. "We have said that our business
outside North America has a key role in the Chrysler Group's
Recovery and Transformation plan. These markets have solid teams in
place to help grow our business, and with the right products
tailored to meet the needs of global markets, there is lot of
potential to reach new customers." Further Improved Global Presence
Key Element in Recovery and Transformation Plan A strong
international footprint is one of the key elements of the Chrysler
Group's Recovery and Transformation Plan, which was announced on
February 14. The plan aims to return the company to profitability
by 2008 and provide the basis for long-term competitiveness. The
plan includes material and fixed costs initiatives, revenue
enhancements and work force and production capacity reductions,
with a goal of achieving a 2.5 percent return on sales by 2009. The
plan also evolves the company's business model in three key areas:
improving global presence by aggressively capitalizing on
opportunities in new markets and new segments while defending and
growing North American business; leveraging alliances, partnerships
and business relationships to accelerate growth; and focusing more
intensely on customers and brands as part an ongoing commitment to
product leadership. DATASOURCE: Chrysler Group CONTACT: Lori
McTavish, +1-248-512-2642, Web site:
http://www.media.daimlerchrysler.com/
http://www.daimlerchrysler.com/
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