Chrysler April sales up 17% outside North America

DETROIT (Reuters) -- DaimlerChrysler AG's Chrysler Group said today that sales outside of North America were up 17 percent in April, boosted by demand in Russia and the Middle East.

The company's sales outside North America last month reached 18,289 vehicles and marked the best April in 10 years, Chrysler said.

Sales jumped 97 percent to 1,871 vehicles in the Middle East and Northern Africa region, while sales in Russia grew 95 percent over the same month last year, the company said.

Chrysler's business plan calls for doubling overseas sales to 400,000 units by 2012 as it executes a reorganization plan that will cut 13,000 jobs and close a plant in North America to halt losses by next year.

Chrysler is counting on foreign sales growth -- in part with allies -- to help offset its weak U.S. showing.

The automaker expects significant sales growth outside North America this year and is holding talks with potential partners to boost its global presence.

Chrysler sales outside North America rose 15 percent to 207,000 units in 2006.