Chrysler LLC Reports September 2008 U.S. Sales; Announces October Incentive Strategy

    AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Oct. 1 /PRNewswire/ --

    -- Chrysler LLC celebrates 25th anniversary of minivan leadership
    -- Sales increase for Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan
    -- Chrysler Sebring Convertible posts strong sales for the month
    -- Sales of the fuel-efficient Dodge Caliber continue at a steady pace
    -- All-new Dodge Journey continues as a hit in the crossover segment
    -- 2008 model-year Dodge Ram light-duty truck sales make way for new
       2009 model
    -- October incentives offer best deals of the year on remaining
       2008 models

Chrysler LLC today reported total September 2008 U.S. sales of 107,349 units, down 33 percent from the same period last year. Total September sales reflect a highly volatile economic environment, ongoing segment shifts and reduced fleet and lease volume. Sales for the month were supported by models such as the Dodge Journey, Dodge Grand Caravan, and Chrysler Town & Country, as well as competitive pricing and aggressive monthly payment offers.

"The economy is going through a difficult restructuring, resulting in great uncertainty among consumers," Jim Press, Chrysler LLC Vice Chairman and President, said. "We are committed to supporting our customers with significant savings and innovative financing, and our dealers with new business solutions. Longer term, we all need to be investing in building a healthier automobile industry and be ready to compete when the economy strengthens."

October Incentives

This month's incentives provide consumers an opportunity to take advantage of the remaining 2008 model-year inventory at the best deals of the year. The incentive plan will focus on aggressive cash positions and discounted APR financing that drive lower monthly payments. For example on the remaining inventory of the 2008 model-year Dodge Ram, there are total manufacturer discounts up to $6,000 or 0 percent APR financing for 72 months with $1,000 cash back.

For returning lease customers, Chrysler will offer Lease Loyalty allowance of up to $750 toward a new retail purchase. For consumers interested in leasing through independent financial institutions, Chrysler offers Bonus Cash of up to $2,000 on select 2008 model-year vehicles.

September Sales Highlights

Chrysler LLC's minivan sales continued to thrive in September based on their strong appeal as fuel efficient, multi-passenger vehicles. Compared with September sales in 2007, the Chrysler Town & Country achieved a 6 percent increase with sales of 9,229 units, and the Dodge Grand Caravan increased 6 percent with sales of 11,056 units. With more than 12 million minivans sold worldwide in their 25-year history, Chrysler and Dodge minivans still command 40 percent of the U.S. minivan market.

The mid-size Chrysler Sebring Convertible continues to resonate well in the market, achieving an 11 percent increase with 1,813 units in September.

Offering the versatility of a sport-utility vehicle (SUV) and the affordability and fuel efficiency of a compact car, the Dodge Caliber posted sales of 6,129 units, down 3 percent over last year's total of 6,348 units. However, when compared with August 2008 sales, the Caliber's sales increased by 52 percent.

The all-new Dodge Journey continues to make its mark in the crossover segment offering best-in-class fuel economy (19 mpg city/25 mpg highway) and award-winning seven-passenger interior utility. The Dodge Journey reached 4,860 units, up 6 percent when compared with August 2008 sales.

The sell-down of 2008 Dodge Ram pickups has progressed and made way for the all-new 2009 model arriving at dealers in October. The 2009 model-year Dodge Ram offers a best-in-class combination of power and fuel efficiency with a base starting price of $22,170 (regular cab, includes destination).

The Company finished the month with 381,365 units of inventory, or a 85- day supply. As part of a planned reduction in manufacturing capacity, inventory is down 15 percent compared with September 2007 when it totaled 450,733 units.

About Chrysler LLC

Chrysler LLC, headquartered in Auburn Hills, Mich., produces Chrysler, Jeep(R), Dodge and Mopar(R) brand vehicles and products. Total sales worldwide in 2007 were 2.7 million vehicles, including an increase of 15 percent outside of North America. Its product lineup features some of the world's most recognizable vehicles, including the Chrysler 300 and Town & Country, Jeep Wrangler and Grand Cherokee and Dodge Challenger and Ram. The Chrysler Foundation, the company's philanthropic arm, annually supports hundreds of charitable organizations in the United States and throughout the world. In 2007, the Foundation gave approximately $21 million in charitable donations.

             Chrysler LLC U.S. Sales Summary Thru September 2008

                                                   Month Sales         Vol %
                    Model                     Curr Yr        Pr Yr    Change
    Sebring                                     5,450        6,057      -10%
    300                                         4,287        9,231      -54%
    Crossfire                                     113          501      -77%
    PT Cruiser                                  2,410        6,140      -61%
    Aspen                                       1,313        3,875      -66%
    Pacifica                                      544        4,183      -87%
    Town & Country                              9,229        8,681        6%
       CHRYSLER BRAND                          23,346       38,668      -40%
    Compass                                       993        2,852      -65%
    Patriot                                     3,190        4,245      -25%
    Wrangler                                    6,130        8,605      -29%
    Liberty                                     4,963        6,830      -27%
    Grand Cherokee                              4,565       10,419      -56%
    Commander                                   1,590        4,509      -65%
       JEEP BRAND                              21,431       37,460      -43%
    Caliber                                     6,129        6,348       -3%
    Avenger                                     4,500        8,318      -46%
    Charger                                     8,118        9,265      -12%
    Challenger                                  2,376            0        0%
    Viper                                          86           24      258%
    Magnum                                         35        3,628      -99%
    Dakota                                        622        4,188      -85%
    Ram P/U                                    20,812       30,100      -31%
    Journey                                     4,860            0        0%
    Caravan                                    11,056       10,417        6%
    Durango                                       616        2,850      -78%
    Nitro                                       2,531        7,044      -64%
    Sprinter                                      831        1,489      -44%
       DODGE BRAND                             62,572       83,671      -25%

       TOTAL CHRYSLER LLC                     107,349      159,799      -33%

              TOTAL CAR                        31,099       43,681      -29%
              TOTAL TRUCK                      76,250      116,118      -34%
    Selling Days                                   24           25


                                                    Sales CYTD         Vol %
                    Model                     Curr Yr        Pr Yr    Change
    Sebring                                    61,428       68,277      -10%
    300                                        51,807       90,251      -43%
    Crossfire                                   1,566        8,290      -81%
    PT Cruiser                                 42,345       77,383      -45%
    Aspen                                      17,681       22,468      -21%
    Pacifica                                    5,621       42,874      -87%
    Town & Country                             95,287       99,134       -4%
       CHRYSLER BRAND                         275,735      408,677      -33%
    Compass                                    22,389       31,273      -28%
    Patriot                                    47,344       27,612       71%
    Wrangler                                   65,135       92,549      -30%
    Liberty                                    54,293       68,865      -21%
    Grand Cherokee                             57,333       93,246      -39%
    Commander                                  22,654       50,124      -55%
       JEEP BRAND                             269,148      363,669      -26%
    Caliber                                    74,069       80,352       -8%
    Avenger                                    53,828       59,148       -9%
    Charger                                    80,220       89,490      -10%
    Challenger                                  8,443            0        0%
    Viper                                         872          348      151%
    Magnum                                      6,777       22,342      -70%
    Dakota                                     21,626       41,376      -48%
    Ram P/U                                   196,058      276,978      -29%
    Journey                                    35,627            0        0%
    Caravan                                   102,398      130,472      -22%
    Durango                                    17,339       37,511      -54%
    Nitro                                      30,071       55,789      -46%
    Sprinter                                   11,308       11,193        1%
       DODGE BRAND                            638,636      806,477      -21%

       TOTAL CHRYSLER LLC                   1,183,519    1,578,823      -25%

              TOTAL CAR                       340,101      429,876      -21%
              TOTAL TRUCK                     843,418    1,148,947      -27%
    Selling Days                                  230          230