Special Report: 2008 Chrysler LLC Outside North America Sales Archive

2008 started strong for Chrysler outside North America as sales grew 12 percent (16,784 units) over January 2007. It was the second-best January in the Company’s history of selling vehicles in International markets. The month’s sales contributed to the unprecedented run of continuous monthly sales gains, now at 32 straight months.

"Continued growth in International markets is key to Chrysler's success moving forward and we have set a high bar for ourselves, with 2007 being our most successful sales year in markets outside North America in the history of the Company," Michael Manley, Executive Vice President International Sales, Marketing and Business Development said. "In 2008 we continue to compete in the global market place by offering vehicles that set us apart from the competition with the introduction of the all-new Chrysler Grand Voyager, Jeep_® Cherokee and Dodge Journey -- allowing us to offer customers a distinctive, high-value proposition in every segment in which we compete."

The Dodge brand will continue to expand in 2008, with the all-new Dodge Journey and the high-performance Caliber SRT4. Both will be available in the second half of the year. Beginning soon, the all-new Jeep Cherokee and Chrysler Grand Voyager will reach dealer lots, both of which offer unique features – such as Swivel ‘n Go seating in the Grand Voyager, and the Sky Slider roof in the Cherokee.

Chrysler’s minivans were the Company’s highest volume vehicle in January (2,525 units), followed by the Dodge Caliber (1,912 units) and Chrysler 300C (1,894 units). While these vehicles led sales for the month, many new products saw significant sales increases over last year, which enabled the Company to achieve the double-digit gains.

Growth was balanced for the Company among its established and emerging markets. Italy, Chrysler’s highest volume market outside North America, grew sales 16 percent (1,854 units). Emerging markets, such as Eastern Europe and China also made significant contributions to January sales. Eastern European sales grew by 59 percent, and sales in China nearly tripled those of January 2007.

Chrysler LLC sells and services vehicles in more than 125 countries around the world. Sales outside North America currently account for more than nine percent of the Company’s total global sales, up from six percent in the year 2000. Vehicles available range across all three Chrysler brands, with limited availability on some trucks and SUV models. The Company’s operations outside North America have been experiencing year-over-year sales increases since 2004, with a record number of vehicles sold in 2007. In 2008, Chrysler LLC will launch three all-new volume vehicles outside North America, one for each one of its brands, and will remain focused on strategic, profitable growth in markets around the world.