* 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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