Posted Wednesday, Sep 3, 2008 at 5:01 pm in Company News, Competitive Landscape
Chrysler Canada today reported sales of 15,548 for the month of August, with a positive showing by several key vehicles (August 2007: 20,503). The company’s results calendar-year-to-date (CYTD) remained stable, with sales of 162,299 for the period January through August, compared to 162,862 in 2007.
“August sales reflect the shift Canadian buyers are making from a lease focus to a purchase-oriented automotive market,” said Reid Bigland, President and CEO of Chrysler Canada. “In spite of the softening, unprecedented pricing on many of our Chrysler, Jeep® and Dodge products resonated with shoppers and generated solid sales.”
August Highlights
The Dodge Ram light-duty pickup truck posted another very successful month, achieving sales of 3,131, compared to 2,752 in 2007, an increase of 14 percent.
“Our Dodge Ram light-duty pickup truck has experienced phenomenal success in 2008, with sales up 25 percent CYTD over the same period last year,” said Dave Buckingham, Vice President of Sales. “This is great news considering that we are bringing an all-new, completely redesigned light duty Dodge Ram to market later this fall. With 35 new or improved features, our 2009 Ram is clearly a game-changer that raises the bar for the competition.”
Demand for the Dodge Nitro rose significantly in August, with sales of 1,047, an increase of 31 percent compared to the same month in 2007. Sales of the Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country more than doubled over the August 2007 level, with combined sales of 2,890 (2007: 1,388).
The iconic Jeep Wrangler posted strong sales for the month, achieving 949 units sold, an increase of 18 percent over 2007. The Dodge Challenger SRT8® has been building momentum and driving showroom traffic in spite of limited availability. The 2009 Dodge Challenger is launching in September with an increased range of models and powertrains, reaching a broader spectrum of driving enthusiasts.
Production began in August of the all-new 2009 Chrysler Aspen Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV). The Chrysler Aspen HEV will be available for sale beginning this fall, and offers seven-passenger seating combined with a blend of performance, utility, functionality and significantly improved fuel economy. Combined with fuel-saving MDS technology, the advanced, two-mode hybrid technology delivers an overall improvement of more than 25 percent in fuel economy and up to a 40 percent improvement in the city.
September Sales Promotions
For the month of September, Chrysler Canada’s incentive program will focus on aggressive cash positions with competitive monthly payment options and total discounts up to $13,500. For example, the 2008 Dodge Ram 1500 Quad Cab® SXT 4 X 4 featuring a HEMI® V8 with fuel-saving Multi-Displacement System (MDS), chrome wheels, and power equipment package is available for $23,898, or $165 bi-weekly. The Dodge Ram pickup is Chrysler Canada’s highest-selling vehicle.
Total discounts on the 2008 Jeep Wrangler and 4-door Wrangler Unlimited now equal up to $5,000. A well-equipped Jeep Wrangler Sahara with modular hard top, air conditioning, aluminum wheels, power equipment package and legendary 4 X 4 capability can be purchased for as little as $155 bi-weekly.
In addition to exceptional pricing, Chrysler Canada is launching the all-new “We’ll Pay Your Way Till 2009″ initiative. Under this program, Chrysler Canada will cover all monthly purchase or lease payments up to $1,500 through the end of 2008. Customers also have the option of selecting a cash rebate of $1,250. “We’ll pay your way” is not a payment deferral, but an innovative incentive plan that covers nearly all 2008 model vehicles (excluding Dodge Sprinter and Challenger), as well as the 2009 Dodge Caliber, Jeep Compass, and Jeep Patriot.
