The Economy

Chrysler's Hot Streak Continues with Best June in Five Years

July 3, 2012

Chrysler reported U.S. sales of 144,811 vehicles, the group's best June sales numbers since 2007.

Chrysler Group LLC reported a 20% year-over-year jump in U.S. sales, while Fiat SpA (IW 1000/81) said it will up its stake in the automaker by another 3.3%

Chrysler reported U.S. sales of 144,811 vehicles, the group's best June sales numbers since 2007.

The June numbers closed a strong second quarter for the automaker, with Q2 sales up 24% compared with first-quarter 2011.

Among the highlights, the Fiat 500 posted a 122% year-over-year sales increase in June, from 1,803 units in June 2011 to 4,004 in June 2012. Through June, sales of the Fiat 500 are up 319% year-over-year.

Five other Chrysler Group models also posted record sales, according to the automaker: the Jeep Wrangler, the Dodge Avenger midsize sedan, the Dodge Challenger muscle car, the Dodge Journey crossover and the Chrysler 200 midsize sedan.

Year-over-year sales of Chrysler-brand vehicles were up 63% in June.

"June also marked our 27th-consecutive month of year-over-year sales growth," said Reid Bigland, president and CEO- Dodge brand, and head of U.S. sales. "Continuous improvement remains a key focus at Chrysler, as we have steadily increased sales, improved quality, added production and created jobs."

Meanwhile, Fiat on Tuesday said it will up its ownership stake in Chrysler to 61.8%.

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.