Chrysler Group missed out on the August sales surge across the United States that was generated by the Cash for Clunkers incentive programme and saw its sales slide by 15 percent year-on-year for the month after 93,222 units spread across the Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep brands were sold. Retail sales for August were 68,958 units. The overall market saw a 1 percent year-on-year rise.

Chrysler's sales did however represent a 5 percent increase on July's total and Chrysler's failure to capitalise on the government’s Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS), more commonly known as Cash for Clunkers, comes down in part to much lower inventory figures that now stand at just a quarter of what they did a year ago and it meant that dealers, which reported high traffic, were short of many of the more popular models.

“Chrysler Group had another strong sales month in August with the majority of Chrysler Group nameplates posting year-over-year or month-over-month sales improvements,” said Peter Fong, President and Chief Executive Officer–Chrysler Brand and Lead Executive for the Sales Organisation, Chrysler Group LLC. “The CARS program gave a boost to the industry in August, and as a result, we've increased production by more than 50,000 units, our factories are full-steam ahead building Chrysler, Jeep® and Dodge vehicles for customers and replenishing dealer inventories.”

The company finished the month with 100,238 units in inventory, representing a 28-day supply. Inventory is down 74 percent versus August 2008 when it totaled 380,560 units. Overall industry figures for August are projected to come in at an estimated 14.4 million SAAR. “Chrysler Group’s large car, minivan, crossover and truck segments all posted increases in retail sales in August,” said Steven Beahm, Vice President–Sales Operations, Chrysler Group LLC. “The Dodge Avenger, Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler PT Cruiser were very popular with consumers looking for high-quality, fuel-efficient vehicles.”

August Brand Sales Highlights

Seventeen out of 26 nameplates posted year-over-year and/or month-over-month retail sales increases, including five out of six Jeep nameplates. Nameplates with increased retail sales are: Chrysler Sebring Sedan/Convertible, Chrysler 300, Chrysler PT Cruiser, Chrysler Town & Country, Jeep Wrangler, Jeep Liberty, Jeep Compass, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Commander, Dodge Caliber, Dodge Avenger, Dodge Charger, Dodge Challenger, Dodge Journey, Dodge Dakota, Dodge Ram and Dodge Sprinter; Jeep Grand Cherokee U.S. sales increased 62 percent (7,679 units) compared with August 2008 and 118 percent versus the previous month; Chrysler 300 U.S. sales increased 17 percent versus August 2008 (4,320 units) and increased 88 percent versus July; Chrysler PT Cruiser retail sales were up 100 percent (3,819 units) compared with August 2008 and increased 45 percent compared with July. August is the second consecutive month of year-over-year sales increases for Chrysler PT Cruiser; Dodge Grand Caravan U.S. sales were up 13 percent (10,648 units) compared with August 2008 and increased 27 percent versus July, representing the second consecutive month of sales increases; Dodge Avenger U.S. sales increased 16 percent (4,118 units) compared with August 2008;  Mopar® parts and accessories sales increased 5 percent compared with July; and Mopar introduces new accessories that will help consumers Refresh their Ride, including: New Garmin™ nüvi® navigation systems, new Jeep Wrangler door kits and 2010 MY Dodge Ram chrome accessories.

Incentives

Chrysler Group LLC has announced the following incentives valid today through September 30, 2009. On 2009 Model Year Vehicles it will offer 0 percent financing for up to 72 months through GMAC Financial Services or up to $4,500 Consumer Cash on select 2009 model year Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles, while on 2010 Model Year Vehicles there will be limited Consumer Cash of up to $2,000 or attractive financing rates through GMAC Financial Services are available.