Monday, January 7, 2008

Chrysler LLC Announces 2007 Global Sales; International Markets' Results Best in...

Chrysler LLC Announces 2007 Global Sales; International Markets' Results Best
in Company's History; Minivan Reign Continues
- Sales in non-U.S. markets increase nearly 8 percent

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Jan. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- Led by its best year ever in
International markets, outselling any previous year in the company's history
with 238,218 units, an increase of 15 percent, Chrysler LLC announced a year
of solid growth in markets outside the U.S., with sales of 599,618 units in
2007, up nearly 8 percent versus 2006. In Canada, 232,859 units were sold, a 6
percent increase, while in Mexico, with an increase of 0.1 percent, 128,541
units were sold.
"On behalf of our leadership team, I would like to extend my thanks and
appreciation to Chrysler's global network for a strong 2007," Bob Nardelli,
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, said. "This global performance is a
great demonstration of what can be done when all of our employees, dealers,
distributors and suppliers are fully aligned and focused on meeting the needs
of our customers and being competitive in the industry. As we continue to grow
globally, its our proud heritage that will continue to differentiate Chrysler
in global markets and resonate with customers worldwide."
With the segment that it created, Chrysler LLC remains the minivan leader
with Dodge Caravan holding the number one position in the United States with
176,041 units sold in 2007 and ranking second in global sales with 232,000
units sold. With 30,937 units sold outside North America, Dodge Caliber was
the highest sales volume vehicle for the company.
"We are fortunate that in a tough industry, customers in the United
States, Canada, Mexico and around the world have responded favorably to our
Chrysler, Jeep and more recently, Dodge brands," Jim Press, Vice Chairman and
President, said. "This is a revitalized organization, moving in the right
direction, with a renewed emphasis on putting the global customer first at
every step in the process -- anxious to serve, proud of the value and quality
of our products. I am pleased to say that our global results are beginning to
show this."
Sales increases in select markets were driven by the worldwide appeal and
strong customer interest in Chrysler's new vehicles, including the Jeep(R)
Wrangler, Jeep Compass and Jeep Patriot. Worldwide sales were down less than
one percent during 2007 to 2,676,268 units versus 2,698,429 units in 2006.
Chrysler International Markets
Spurred by demand for new Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge products, Chrysler
achieved record sales outside North America in 2007, outselling any previous
year in the Company's history. Year-to-date sales increased 15 percent to
238,218 units from 2006 results of 206,925 units. The highest volume markets
outside North America were: Italy (21,361 units); Venezuela (19,459 units);
and the United Kingdom (18,623 units).
Chrysler Canada
Chrysler Canada sales rose 6 percent to 232,859 units in 2007 compared
with 220,553 units sold in 2006, securing the automaker's position as the No.
2 seller of cars and trucks in Canada. Furthermore, with the introduction of
nine new models in 2007, Chrysler Canada's sales growth has exceeded that of
the Canadian market by gaining more new customers than any other OEM.
Chrysler Mexico
Posting its best sales year since 2001, Chrysler Mexico sales rose
slightly (0.1 percent) to 128,541 units during 2007. Chrysler Mexico sales and
market share have been consistently increasing in a competitive market; this
growth has been made possible by the complete product lineup offered by the
Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep brands in the Mexican automotive market.
Chrysler U.S. Market
In the United States, Chrysler LLC sold 2,076,650 units in 2007, a
decrease of 3 percent from the 2,142,505 units in 2006. Chrysler LLC continues
to invest in new product, including new fuel-efficient powertrains. For 2008,
the Company will offer six vehicles with 28 miles per gallon or better highway
fuel economy including Jeep Compass, Jeep Patriot, Dodge Avenger, Dodge
Caliber, Chrysler Sebring Sedan and Chrysler Sebring Convertible. This
combined with the best-in-industry Lifetime Powertrain Warranty on Chrysler,
Jeep, and Dodge vehicles is bringing more customers to showrooms

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