The Economy

Chrysler's U.S. Sales Surge in May

June 1, 2011

Automaker reports its best May since 2008.

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).

Chrysler Group finished the month with a 65-day supply of inventory, at 311,453 units. See Also:

"GM's U.S. Sales Fall 1.2% in May"

About the Author

Josh Cable | Former Senior Editor

Former Senior Editor Josh Cable covered innovation issues -- including trends and best practices in R&D, process improvement and product development. He also reported on the best practices of the most successful companies and executives in the world of transportation manufacturing, which encompasses the aerospace, automotive, rail and shipbuilding sectors.

Josh also led the IndustryWeek Manufacturing Hall of Fame, IW’s annual tribute to the most influential executives and thought leaders in U.S. manufacturing history.

Before joining IndustryWeek, Josh was the editor-in-chief of Penton Media’s Government Product News and Government Procurement. He also was an award-winning beat reporter for several small newspapers in Northeast Ohio.

Josh received his BFA in creative writing from Bowling Green University, and continued his professional development through course-work at Ohio University and Cuyahoga Community College.

A lifelong resident of the Buckeye State, Josh currently lives in the Tremont neighborhood of Cleveland. When the weather cooperates, you’ll find him riding his bike to work, exercising his green thumb in the backyard or playing ultimate Frisbee.