Auburn Hills, Mich. - Chrysler Group reported U.S. sales for December 2005 of 189,449 units, a decrease of 5 percent and in line with the overall industry. In December 2004, 199,280 units were sold. Total year Chrysler Group sales rose 5 percent to achieve the highest total since 2000, posting sales of 2,304,833 units, compared to 2004 sales of 2,206,024 units. All figures are adjusted for selling days unless otherwise indicated.

'Our 5 percent total year increase was led by the exciting new products we launched in 2004 and 2005,' said Gary Dilts, Chrysler Group Senior Vice President - Sales. 'We plan to continue that momentum into 2006 with strong, new, fuel-efficient product offerings beginning with the Dodge Caliber and Jeep Compass.'

 

December Highlights

Jeep® brand sales for the month increased 41 percent to 53,218 units compared to December 2004 sales of 37,730 units. Each nameplate in the Jeep lineup performed well in December.

The all-new seven-passenger Jeep Commander continues to attract new customers, posting sales of 8,458 units, rising 105 percent over November 2005 sales. Jeep Liberty set a December sales record with 17,665 units sold, an increase of 38 percent over December 2004 sales of 12,775 units.

 

The icon of the Jeep brand, Jeep Wrangler, posted sales of 5,363 units, an increase of 17 percent over December 2004 sales of 4,573 units.

Sales of the Jeep Grand Cherokee were strong in December, posting sales of 21,732 units or an increase of 7 percent compared to last year.

The Chrysler PT Cruiser posted sales of 10,167 units, an increase of 7 percent compared to December 2004 when 9,491 units were sold.

 

Total Year Highlights

With the introduction of the all-new Jeep Commander, Dodge Mega Cab and Dodge Charger, Chrysler Group sales rose 5 percent for 2005 to 2,304,833 units. Last year's sales totaled 2,206,024 units. Chrysler brand sales totaled 649,293 units, an increase of 11 percent over 2004 sales of 588,891 units and setting an all-time Chrysler brand yearly sales total record. Since 1990, Chrysler brand sales have risen 251 percent.

Sales of Jeep brand products increased 12 percent in 2005 to their highest yearly total since 2000 to 476,532 units compared to 2004 sales of 427,239 units.

 

Sales of Chrysler Group minivan products with the exclusive Stow 'n GoTM seating and storage system increased 6 percent in 2005 to 407,530 units, and further solidified the company's position as the clear leader in the minivan segment.

The Chrysler 300 continued its strong appeal to consumers and maintained its position as the leader in the luxury full-size car segment by posting record total year sales of 144,068 units, an increase of 28 percent compared to 2004 sales of 112,930 units.

 

Total year sales of the Chrysler PT Cruiser totaled 133,740 units, an increase of 16 percent over 2004 sales.

The Dodge Magnum reported total yearly sales of 52,487 units, up 34 percent over 2004 sales of 39,217 units, establishing a new sales record for the product.

 

'Our month-over-month daily selling rate has shown acceleration the past two months, rising 8 percent in November and 10 percent in December, suggesting that the industry is gaining strength going into the new year,' said Dilts. 'We are well positioned for 2006 with 10 new products, many in fuel-efficient categories. We are excited about the products we are introducing to customers in 2006.'

Chrysler Group finished the month with 597,006 units of inventory, or an 85-day supply.