[Allpar News System]

Chrysler reported U.S. sales of 156,698 units, an 11% increase over sales in April 2012. It was the company's best April since 2007, and marks 37 months of consecutive year-over-year sales improvements. The Jeep®, Dodge, Ram, and Fiat brands each posted year-over-year sales gains; Ram’s 49% jump was the largest of any Chrysler brand. Sales of the Light Duty Ram pickup were up 54%, led by the Quad Cab pickups, while Heavy Duty Ram sales were up 30%. The Dodge Durango’s 65% increase was the largest sales gain of any Dodge brand vehicle in April, and second only to the Ram Cargo Van’s 110%. Jeep brand sales rebounded in April as all Jeep brand models except Jeep Liberty, which is no longer in production, posted improved sales. Sales of the flagship Jeep Grand Cherokee were up 27% last month for its best April sales in eight years. The Jeep Compass..

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[UN4GTBL]

Good to see an increase!

Dart sales are *just* better than last month. Although I've heard of shortages occurring, not sure if that is real or not.

 

[Stratuscaster]

 

[bumonbox]

Rock on.
The 300 maintains it's dropped numbers unfortunately. Curious as to why that is. Charger didn't pick up the slack either
As for everything else, the 200 / Avenger continue to be strong sellers, even if mostly be rebate.
No surprises with Jeep.
Journey seems to be continuing to do better. Heck of a late comer, but it seems to have found it's footing.
And the Durango has picked up after being slow, I really hope the market the changes, it seems like it may yet find it's footing as well.
And Ram continuing it's over 30k of sales back to where it was long ago. Awesome to see! I hope it stays that way / continues to gain momentum. If they keep pushing it, I could see them seriously closing much of the gap between the Ram and Ford and GM

 

[jimboy]

Yeah, the 300 is so much improved, it's a surprise it isn't selling better. I don't understand it.

 

[Stratuscaster]

If I had to guess, the 300 isn't selling as well mainly due to the lack of the stripper base models that are no longer offered. While those models did nothing for enhancing perceptions and resale values, they did sell in both retail and fleet.

 

[Mike V.]

If I had to guess, the 300 isn't selling as well mainly due to the lack of the stripper base models that are no longer offered. While those models did nothing for enhancing perceptions and resale values, they did sell in both retail and fleet.

Proverbial hit the nail on the head...

Mike

 

[MoparNorm]

Proverbial hit the nail on the head...

Mike

Exactly. It's a Chrysler, they don't need to sell an extra 1,000 at $24,000, or at cost, when they can sell the flagship models at over $35,000.
It may hurt a few sales commissions, but it doesn't hurt the bottom line.

 

[JA Cumbo]

There was nothing more depressing to sit in or look at than a base model 300 when they first came out in 05.

 

[hmk123]

Exactly. It's a Chrysler, they don't need to sell an extra 1,000 at $24,000, or at cost, when they can sell the flagship models at over $35,000.
It may hurt a few sales commissions, but it doesn't hurt the bottom line.

Very good point. All about perspective and I have to admit, didn't think about that. Would be interesting to see if they can steal customers from other manufacturers away that offer cars in that price range. I hope they do since it is such a great car! How many Genesis does Hyundai sell? Anyone know?

 

[Mike V.]

Exactly. It's a Chrysler, they don't need to sell an extra 1,000 at $24,000, or at cost, when they can sell the flagship models at over $35,000.
It may hurt a few sales commissions, but it doesn't hurt the bottom line.

Yup, I would gladly take less sales than then adding a stripped model back to the line up.

Mike

 

[unverferth]

Glad to see the Durango picking up. Perhaps the 'secret' is out and marketing better capitalize on that.

Sad about the Charger and 300 though.

 

[Stratuscaster]

How many Genesis does Hyundai sell? Anyone know?

4/13: 3124
4/12: 3429

Genesis is in the same boat - no "stripper" models when compared to other vehicles in the class.

A huge chunk of those 400000+ Camrys sold every year are base/stripper models.

Sad about the Charger and 300 though.

Charger, over it's LX/LD lifetime, has averaged ~7200 units per month in sales. 300 over it's LX lifetime has averaged ~7100 units per month - but only ~4500 units per month since 1/11.

 

[hmk123]

A huge chunk of those 400000+ Camrys sold every year are base/stripper models.

Right next to the aisle where you find washers and dryers

Thanks for the Genesis numbers. That was helpful!

 

[Mike V.]

hmk123, on 01 May 2013 - 10:06 AM, said:
Very good point. All about perspective and I have to admit, didn't think about that. Would be interesting to see if they can steal customers from other manufacturers away that offer cars in that price range. I hope they do since it is such a great car! How many Genesis does Hyundai sell? Anyone know?

To add to Strat's comment... There is a distinct drop in 300 sales around the time that the Genesis came to market and the Chrysler BK/Recession hit.

Hyundai Genesis Sales:

2013:
January: 2472
February: 2517
March: 3124

2008 Total: 6,167
2009 Total: 21,889
2010 Total: 29,122
2011 Total: 32,998
2012 Total: 33,973

Chrysler 300
2013
January: 5325
February: 5023
March: 5686
April: 4120

2005 Total: 144,068
2006 Total: 143,647
2007 Total: 120,636
2008 Total: 62,352
2009 Total: 38,606
2010 Total: 37,116
2011 Total: 36,285
2012 Total: 70,747

 

[willy4110]

That's why both Chrysler and Dodge need vehicles to cover the same vehicle categories (Caravan and TC).

 

[Stratuscaster]

Again, I'd sooner take fewer units and more profit than more units and less profit.

The sweet spot, of course, is more units AND more profit.

 

[Mike V.]

Again, I'd sooner take fewer units and more profit than more units and less profit.

The sweet spot, of course, is more units AND more profit.

I agree! I'd say the 300 will sell 70,000 units again this year, if not maybe a few more. There will be profits posted for sure because of the cost spread of the LX cars. Based on past sales, 70,000+ is very good.

Mike

 

[wtxiceman]

I just bought a 300c awd. Wonderful car.

 

[Mike V.]

That's why both Chrysler and Dodge need vehicles to cover the same vehicle categories (Caravan and TC).

I don't understand how the Caravan/TC compares to not having a stripped version of the 300.

That's apples to oranges

Mike