Chrysler Group LLC today said its year-over-year U.S. sales jumped 10% in May, marking the automaker's best May since 2008.
Chrysler reported U.S. sales of 115,363 units in May, compared with 104,819 units in May 2010.
The automaker said its new or "significantly refreshed" 2011 models are driving its sales gains.
The 2011 Chrysler 200 midsize sedan, the 2011 Dodge Durango SUV, the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Jeep Compass, and the 2012 Fiat 500 "significantly contributed" to the automaker's May sales increase, Chrysler said.
"Chrysler Group just posted its 14th consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains, confirmation that our 2011 models continue to resonate with consumers," said Fred Diaz, president and CEO, Ram truck brand, and lead executive for U.S. sales. "Our retail sales were up 27% in May, driven in large part by our new models. Ram pickup trucks and all of our Jeep-brand models posted sales increases in May, despite high, fluctuating gas prices."
The Jeep brand's 55% increase was the largest of the Chrysler Group brands.
Among other highlights:
- The 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee posted a 192% sales increase in May compared with May 2010. It was the largest year-over-year sales gain of any Chrysler Group model.
- The Ram truck brand posted a 13% sales increase in May.
- Sales of the 2011 Chrysler 200 increased 154% in May compared with year-over-year sales of the previous-generation model.
- Chrysler Group truck sales (83,105 units) improved 17% versus May 2010 (71,222 units).
