Canadian Chrysler sales a bright spot

Chrysler Canada today announced sales of 15,560 for the month of November, down somewhat from November 2007 (18,445), with calendar year-to-date sales of 210,702 compared to 213,729 in the same period last year.

“With only one month remaining, Chrysler Canada is on track for another solid year,” said Reid Bigland, President and CEO of Chrysler Canada. “The credit crisis is creating a very challenging economic environment right now. However our current product line up is well-suited for the Canadian marketplace and will carry us through this difficult period.”

Overall Jeep® brand sales were up 11% calendar-year-to-date. The Dodge Journey once again held leadership of the Canadian crossover segment, with sales of 1,326 units.

Canada’s most popular minivan, the Dodge Grand Caravan, achieved an increase of 3% over November 2007. For the January through November period, Dodge Grand Caravan has grown sales by 42% compared to the same timeframe last year.

Chrysler Canada will continue the popular Employee Pricing discount on 27 unique 2008 and 2009 model Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles through January 2, 2009.

Zero per cent purchase financing has been expanded to a total of 14 different models, including 0% purchase financing up to 84 months on the 2009 Chrysler 300 and 300C, and the 2009 Dodge Charger.

“Canadians really appreciate the no-haggle quality of Employee Pricing,” said Dave Buckingham, Vice President of Sales. “Our special zero per cent purchase financing, together with the Employee Pricing Program, create a one-two punch that knocks the competitors out of the running in the marketplace.”

The combination of Employee Pricing with cash allowances equals total discounts of up to $15,000 off the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) on vehicles such as the all-new 2009 Dodge Ram 1500, winner of AJAC’s 2009 Pickup Truck of the Year. Other eligible vehicles include Canada’s best-selling minivan, the 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan, including the new 25th Anniversary Edition of the Dodge Grand Caravan which provides $1,400 of content for no extra charge; and the 2008.5 Jeep Grand Cherokee Diesel.

Chrysler Canada now offers 12 vehicles for under $20,000, including the 2009 Dodge Caliber starting as low as $13,489 or $96 bi-weekly. Other vehicles available for under $20,000 are the Dodge Dakota, Dodge Charger, Dodge Avenger, Dodge Journey, Dodge Grand Caravan, Jeep Compass, Jeep Patriot, Jeep Wrangler, Chrysler PT Cruiser, Chrysler Sebring Sedan, and Chrysler Sebring Convertible.