- Sales in non-U.S. markets increase 10.2 percent in the second quarter AUBURN HILLS, Mich., July 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The Chrysler Group today announced that the company achieved growing sales numbers in markets outside the United States in the second quarter of 2007. From April to June, the Chrysler Group sold 159,993 vehicles outside of the U.S., an increase of 10.2 percent compared to the same period of 2006. These second quarter figures include a sales increase of 10.7 percent in Canada (70,148 units) and a 20.4 percent sales increase outside of North America (61,743 units). In line with the decline of the Mexico automotive industry during the second quarter, DaimlerChrysler Mexico sales fell 8 percent to 28,102 units. The increases in sales were driven by the worldwide appeal and strong customer interest in the Chrysler Group's new fuel-efficient models including the Chrysler Sebring, Jeep(R) Compass, Jeep Patriot, Dodge Avenger and the Dodge Caliber. "The growth in the second quarter of 2007 demonstrates that the Chrysler Group's plan for sustainable, international growth is working," said Tom LaSorda, President and CEO, Chrysler Group. "Building on the solid sales momentum established during the first quarter of 2007, the second quarter sales increase is in line with the company's plan to double international growth in five years." Second Quarter Global Sales Results The Chrysler Group's worldwide vehicle sales increased by 3.3 percent during the second quarter of 2007 to a total of 735,837 units (2006: 712,521 units). In the highly competitive market environment of the U.S., Chrysler Group sales declined 1.4 percent to 183,347 units in June 2007. For the second quarter, sales rose 1.5 percent to 575,844 units (2006: 567,302 units). The company now offers five fuel-efficient, four-cylinder engine compact car and SUV models in the U.S., including the Chrysler Sebring, Jeep Compass, Jeep Patriot, Dodge Avenger and the Dodge Caliber. Following its most aggressive product launch in company history of 10 all-new vehicles in 2006, the Chrysler Group continues its product offensive with the launch of eight all-new vehicles in 2007. Maintaining its position as the second-largest seller of vehicles in Canada to date, DaimlerChrysler Canada finished the second quarter of 2007 by increasing sales 10.7 percent to 70,148 units (2006: 63,380 units). For the month of June, sales rose 24 percent to 22,029 units. "We are very pleased with the strong Canadian market response to our new vehicles," said Reid Bigland, President and CEO of DaimlerChrysler Canada, Inc. "Driven primarily by retail sales of the fuel-efficient Dodge Caliber, Jeep Patriot and Jeep Compass models, Chrysler Group's sales in Canada have risen for 11 straight months." Posting its highest month ever of sales outside of North America in June 2007, Chrysler Group's International sales accelerated 20.7 percent to 22,901 units. Also, sustaining 25 consecutive months of year-over-year sales gains; Chrysler Group's International sales increased 20.4 percent to 61,743 units during the second quarter of 2007 (2006: 51,280 units). "The strength of our new product portfolio coupled with the support of our dealer network outside North America is driving the growth we have seen so far this year," said Michael Manley, Executive Vice President - International Sales, Marketing and Business Development, Chrysler Group. "We expect to maintain the double digit growth this year, including record export numbers, and continue to strategically grow production volumes and sales outlets outside North America for all three brands." Posting its best June ever, DaimlerChrysler Mexico sales rose 0.3 percent to 10,120 units in June 2007. From April to June, second quarter sales declined 8 percent to 28,102 units (2006: 30,559 units) yet Chrysler Group SUVs posted a quarterly sales gain of 60.5 percent. "DaimlerChrysler Mexico delivered fantastic sales results last month, reporting its best June ever for Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge brands," said Joe ChamaSrour, President and Managing Director of DaimlerChrysler de Mexico. "This was a great way to close the second quarter." Understanding the Customer is a Key Element in Recovery and Transformation Plan (RTP) Focusing on customer loyalty and winning new customers is a major part of the Chrysler Group's revenue strategy under the Recovery and Transformation Plan (RTP). The company has a number of research efforts in place to learn more about consumer wants and needs in order to help increase future sales. "We're focusing on the customer loyalty of our current owner base and we plan to address new customers, or the people that trade in their vehicles from another brand," said Steven Landry. "One of the issues we strive to understand better is how to retain our current customers and bring in new ones. It is a tough game out there and we need to make sure that we provide the customer with an opportunity that is different and better than the competition." Euro Camp Jeep, Europe's largest single-brand 4x4 customer event takes place in France More than 1,500 customers and 650 Jeep vehicles are gathering in southern France for the ultimate celebration of all things Jeep. For the first time ever, the Camp Jeep event will be split into two different programs (June 30 to July 3 and July 4 to 7) to accommodate the growing number of participants. Jeep aficionados, their families and friends will flock to Euro Camp Jeep to explore a full range of activities, including off-road driving trails, fun vehicle-related challenges, navigation and orienteering trials and invigorating regional drives through scenic countryside. Participants will also be given a privileged look at the new Jeep Grand Cherokee, making its first appearance in Europe with a refreshed interior and exterior. DATASOURCE: Chrysler Group CONTACT: Lori McTavish, +1-248-512-2642, cell, +1-248-202-9908, , or Lori Pinter, +1-248-512-2882, cell, +1-248-505-4070, , both of Chrysler Group Web site: http://www.media.daimlerchrysler.com/ http://www.daimlerchrysler.com/

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