Canadian sales continue to defy U.S. declines

Posted on November 3rd, 2008 • by David Zatz

Chrysler Canada today announced sales of 15,731 for October, an increase of 2% over October 2007 and consistent with sales through the first nine months of the year.

Reid Bigland, President and CEO of Chrysler Canada, pointed out that October “marked the 25th month of sales growth over the last 27 months.”

The Dodge Grand Caravan celebrated its 25th anniversary by setting a new October record with sales of 2,965, up 42% over 2007.

The Dodge Ram pickup also recorded its best October ever as the new 2009 Ram hit the showrooms and the 2008s were sold off at heavy discounts. The Dodge Ram posted an increase of 40% in October. Dodge Ram 1500 sales were up 53% for the month (1,699 units), and 29% for the January through October period (23,928 units for 2008). Demand for the 2009 Dodge Ram has been high since the vehicle started arriving in showrooms last month.

A new October record was also set for the Jeep® Wrangler with sales of 919 units, up 30% over last year’s record of 708. Calendar-year-to-date, Wrangler sales of 10,454 are up 21% over 2007.

Sales of the fuel-efficient Dodge Caliber were 1,318 in October, up 19 percent over last year’s total of 1,106 units. The Dodge Journey retained the title of No. 1-selling crossover in Canada with solid October sales of 1,050 units.

For November, Chrysler Canada has brought back the Employee Pricing Discount, and is providing cash bonuses up to $10,000, or zero percent purchase financing up to 84 months. Zero percent purchase financing up to 84 months is offered on the 2009 Chrysler 300 and 300C, as well as on the 2009 Dodge Charger. Zero percent purchase financing up to 60 months is available on select 2008 models, including the Jeep Liberty, Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Grand Caravan, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Ram 1500.

Chrysler Canada is has expanded its list of vehicles available for under $20,000. Canadians can now purchase a fuel-efficient (41 miles per Imperial gallon highway) Chrysler Sebring Convertible with air conditioning, automatic transmission, power windows, locks and mirrors, for $19,999, or the world’s best-selling minivan, the Dodge Grand Caravan, with V6 engine, air conditioning, automatic transmission, anti-lock brake system, Electronic Stability Program, side-curtain air bags, power windows, locks, and mirrors for only $18,999. Chrysler Canada now offers a total of 11 vehicles for under $20,000 spanning eight segments: Dodge Charger, Dodge Caliber, Dodge Avenger, Dodge Journey, Dodge Grand Caravan, Jeep Compass, Jeep Patriot, Jeep Wrangler, Chrysler PT Cruiser, Chrysler Sebring Sedan, and Chrysler Sebring Convertible.