Chrysler Canada sales rise 4%

Posted on April 2nd, 2009 • by David Zatz

Chrysler Canada today announced sales of 15,937 units, an increase of 33% compared with the February 2009 total of 12,015 units, and 4% over March 2008 sales.

General Motors saw car sales plummet by 39%, but truck sales rose by 2%, resulting in an overall 17% net loss – enough for General Motors to stay Canada’s top seller.

Toyota, which continues to make gains against GM and Ford, saw sales drop by 23%; a Toyota-brand drop of 26% was countered by higher Lexus sales. Ford sales fell by 15%, with trucks taking a heavier hit, but market share increased; the new Fusion sales increased. Honda brand sales fell by 20%, Acura by 42%, and Nissan by 9%.

The Dodge Grand Caravan, Chrysler’s best selling vehicle in Canada, experienced its best March ever, with sales of 3,775 units, a year to year increase of 4% and a 35% gain from last month. In March, the 2006 Dodge Caravan/Grand Caravan captured the top spot in the van segment in the J.D. Power and Associates 2009 Vehicle Dependability Study. The Caravan posted perfect scores in the study in three categories: overall, body and interior and features and accessories.

The Dodge Journey remains the top-selling crossover in Canada, with sales of 1,349 units. Dodge Ram recovered from February sales with a 51% February-to-March hike.

The “Canada’s Choice” event has been enhanced by an additional $500 on most vehicles. This incentive program provides as much as $2,000 in added value on Mopar® accessories, extended service plan, no-charge options or bonus cash rebate. Sales have also been spurred by cash discounts of up to $12,500, with a substantial increase on some models from February, made possible by favorable exchange rates.

Discounts on the AJAC Pickup Truck of the Year, the 2009 Dodge Ram 1500, have been increased by $2,000 for the month of April. This vehicle has the 390 horsepower HEMI® V-8, exclusive rear link coil suspension, and optional RamBox™. The Chrysler Sebring sedan and Dodge Avenger discounts have been increased by up to $2,000, and the 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee incentive has increased by up to $6,750 this month.

Chrysler Canada also continues to provide zero percent purchase financing up to 60 months in addition to cash discounts up to $5,750 plus Canada’s Choice Discounts up to $2,000.