Chrysler sales up 44% in January

Chrysler reported U.S. sales of 101,149, a 44% increase over sales in January 2011 (70,118 units), blowing past analyst predictions of a 32 percent improvement. It was the 22nd consecutive month of gains and eighth consecutive month of sales increases of at least 20%. All four brands posted sales gains, led by the Chrysler brand’s hardy 81% increase.

Chrysler Group has beaten the industry average sales increase for each of the last 11 months.

The January rise was driven in large part by strong sales of its sedans. Sales of the Chrysler 200 were up eight-fold in January, nearly a year after appearing in the “Imported from Detroit” Super Bowl commercial. Chrysler 300 sales were up 273% in January, the sedan’s third-consecutive month with a year-over-year sales gain in the triple digits.

Overall, nearly every model still in production showed sales rises, the one exception being the Town & Country.

Chrysler Brand: The largest percentage increase of any Chrysler Group brand, the fourth consecutive month that the brand has posted the largest sale gain within the group, and the seventh consecutive month of sales gains. The increase was driven by the Chrysler 200′s jump of 789% and the Chrysler 300′s 273% sales gain. The 200’s increase was by far the largest of any Chrysler Group model in January. The only shortfall was in the Town & Country minivan, which dropped 14% (around 800 vans). Caravan’s 4% sales rise (280 units or so) did not compensate for that.

Jeep®: Sales increased 37% in January. All five Jeeps posted double-digit percentage sales gains in January, led by the Jeep Liberty’s 68% increase. January marked the brand’s 21st consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains. The Grand Cherokee logged its best January sales in six years with a 40% increase.

Ram: Sales were up 42% in January; best January since 2008. The Ram pickup truck sales increased 47%, the 21st consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains.

Dodge: A 29% sales increase in January, the eighth consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains. Durango, Charger, and Avenger each logged triple-digit percentage gains in January.