New York, NY – DaimlerChrysler AG (NYSE: DCX), the third largest U.S. auto maker, today reported total group sales of 196,018 passenger vehicles in the U.S. for August 2004, down six percent compared to August 2003. All sales figures in this release are on an unadjusted basis unless otherwise noted.

 

Chrysler Group, which consists of the Chrysler, Jeep® and Dodge brands, posted sales of 178,034 vehicles in the U.S., a decrease of six percent. However, adjusted for the number of selling days per month, sales for Chrysler Group rose one percent compared to the same month one year earlier. Yearto-date sales at Chrysler Group are up two percent compared to the same period in 2003. The Chrysler Group now has seven new models in production for 2004, with the all-new 2005 Dodge Dakota and the 2005 Jeep® Grand Cherokee still slated to arrive at dealerships later this year. Production for both vehicles began August 25.

 

Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA), which is launching its biggest product offensive in its history over the next 18 months, posted sales of 17,984 units, an increase of two percent compared to the same month last year, when 17,583 vehicles were sold. The brand new generation of the Mercedes-Benz SLK roadster, part of the product offensive at Mercedes-Benz, will be available at dealerships beginning this week. Year-to-date sales for MBUSA are 140,114 vehicles compared to 142,213 during the same period last year.

 

Detailed vehicle sales information for MBUSA and Chrysler Group will be announced later today in separate press releases issued by the groups. August 2004 had 25 selling days compared to 27 in August of the previous year.