Chrysler Canada April Sales Roar to 35 per cent Increase

    
    -  Highest sales results since June 2008
    -  All-time sales record for Ram Pickup - 5,201 units, up 88 per cent
    -  All-time sales record for Dodge Grand Caravan - up 39 per cent
    -  All-time sales record for Dodge Challenger - up 22 per cent
    

WINDSOR, ON, May 3 /CNW/ - Chrysler Canada today announced its highest sales results since June 2008, with April sales up 35 per cent over the same month in 2009 on 20,630 units (April 2009: 15,311). Calendar year to date, the company's sales have risen 21 per cent over the same period last year (Jan-April 2010: 66,085; 2009: 54,522).

Reflecting continued strong consumer traffic at the company's dealerships, retail sales grew 34 per cent.

"No question 2009 was a difficult year for Detroit - heck, even the Red Wings struggled - but this year is different," said Reid Bigland President and CEO Chrysler Canada. "On top of a Chrysler Group LLC $143 million (U.S.) operating profit in the first quarter, April was our 5th consecutive month of retail sales growth in excess of 20 per cent, and it feels good."

Sales Highlights

Sixteen Chrysler Canada vehicles posted sales increases versus April last year, with car sales up 29 per cent, and truck sales increasing 36 per cent. Two Chrysler Canada vehicles were among the top five selling vehicles in the country in April, the Dodge Grand Caravan (No. 2 position) and the Ram Pickup (No. 5 position).

The award-winning Ram Pickup set an all-time sales record, with 5,201 units sold, up 88 per cent. Sales of the Ram 1500 rose 102 per cent, while the Ram Heavy Duty, Motor Trend Magazine's 2010 Truck of the Year, posted an increase of 55 per cent.

An all-time sales record was also recorded for the Dodge Grand Caravan on sales of 5,917 units, up 39 per cent compared with April 2009. Chrysler Town & Country posted an April sales record with 550 units sold, an increase of 85 per cent. The Windsor, Ontario Assembly Plant where the vehicles are built continues to operate on three shifts to meet strong demand for the world's most popular minivan.

The Dodge Journey easily held onto its crown as Canada's No. 1 selling crossover, with sales of 2,001 units, an increase of 82 per cent and an April sales record.

The legendary Dodge Challenger set an all-time sales record, posting sales of 614 and growing 22 per cent compared with the same month last year. Sales of the Dodge Charger were up 116 per cent, Chrysler Sebring up 75 per cent, Chrysler 300/300C up 17 per cent, and Dodge Avenger up 53 per cent. Sales of Jeep(R) Brand vehicles increased 10 per cent in April, led by Jeep Patriot (up 43 per cent), Jeep Wrangler (up 26 per cent). Jeep Compass (up 13 per cent), and Jeep Liberty (up 9 per cent).

May Incentive Program

Due to exceptional consumer reaction from the company's "Why Canada Drives" Sales Event in April, Chrysler Canada has extended this innovative program for an additional month. From May 1 through May 31, dealerships across Canada will continue to showcase award-winning and segment-leading vehicles such as the all-new 2010 Motor Trend Truck of the Year - Ram Heavy Duty; the No. 1 selling minivan - Dodge Grand Caravan; the No. 1 selling crossover - Dodge Journey; and the most fuel-efficient and affordable 4x4 in Canada - Jeep Patriot.

"May typically marks the highest vehicle sales month of the year," said Dave Buckingham, Vice President of Sales, Chrysler Canada. "We intend to capitalize with our most aggressive pricing of the year on our market leaders Jeep Wrangler, Dodge Grand Caravan and Ram Truck."

In addition, Canadians who visit one of the company's 440 Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram dealerships during May will continue to receive an exclusive $500 in "Why Canada Drives" Bonus Cash on top of all other retail incentives including up to $7,500 in Consumer Cash Discounts plus purchase finance rates starting at zero per cent on nearly every 2010 Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge or Ram vehicles.

To celebrate Chrysler Canada's legendary Jeep heritage, Canadians will also receive $1,000 in Jeep Bonus Cash, providing even further value on Canada's best lineup of SUVs including the 2010 Jeep Patriot, Compass, Wrangler, Wrangler Unlimited, Liberty, Commander and Grand Cherokee.

This month, customers can experience "Why Canada Drives" and "Jeep Bonus Cash" events at participating Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram dealerships and check out the country's most exciting vehicles. Chrysler Canada continues to offer the most compelling purchase finance options in the industry, which are combinable with all retail discounts: the industry-first variable prime rate of 2.25 per cent up to 84 months or zero per cent up to 36 months on nearly every 2010 Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, or Ram vehicle.

About Chrysler Canada

Founded as the Chrysler Corporation in 1925, Chrysler Canada Inc. is based in Windsor, Ontario, and celebrates its 85th anniversary in 2010. Chrysler Canada is a wholly owned subsidiary of Chrysler Group LLC, one of the world's leading automotive companies. Chrysler Canada's product lineup features some of the world's most recognizable vehicles, including the Dodge Grand Caravan, Jeep(R) Wrangler and Chrysler 300.

Additional information and news from Chrysler is available at http://www.media.chrysler.com.

For further information: Mary Gauthier, [phone] (office), [phone] (cell), [email protected]