"The efforts of our sales teams in all of our International regions contributed to this month's performance," said Thomas Hausch, Executive Director of International Sales and Marketing. "We have said that our business outside North America has a key role in Chrysler Group's Recovery and Transformation Plan. These markets have solid teams in place to help grow our business, and with the right products tailored to meet the needs of global markets, there is a lot of potential to reach new customers." While sales continued to grow steadily in key markets throughout Western Europe where sales reached the highest monthly volumes ever, regions such as Latin America, with sales up 43 percent this month, also supported the record month. Emerging markets, like Russia, played a key role as well. In March, combined sales in Eastern Europe and Russia were up 69 percent; and they were up 45 percent for the quarter when compared with the same period in 2006. Increasing demand for the Dodge brand continued as Dodge Caliber sales outperformed those of all other Chrysler Group vehicles, and made Caliber the Company's top-selling vehicle year-to-date (7,964 units). Jeep Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300C sales were a close second and third, with sales of 7,771 and 7,616 units respectively. "Chrysler Group's clear definition between brand offerings, improved quality and overall value are ensuring balanced sales among the top products," said Hausch. "In 2007, we expect this to continue as we introduce eight new products, all of which are part of a balanced product portfolio and are designed to meet the needs of a specific group of customers, and complement, not compete with one another." Chrysler Group sells and services vehicles in more than 125 countries around the world, and Chrysler Group sales outside North America currently account for approximately eight percent of the Company's total global sales. Vehicles available range across all three Chrysler Group brands, with limited availability on some trucks and SUV models. The Company's operations outside North America have been experiencing year-over-year sales increases since 2004, and will continue to increase the number of product offerings, powertrain options and RHD availability through 2007. Web site: http://www.daimlerchrysler.com Source: Chrysler Group |