Chrysler LLC announces 2007 third quarter global sales

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. -- Chrysler LLC today announced that the Company continues to make headway in markets outside the U.S. in the third quarter of 2007. From July to September, Chrysler sold 149,800 vehicles outside of the U.S., an increase of 10 percent compared to the same period of 2006. Third quarter figures include a 20 percent sales increase Internationally, outside of North America (62,516 units); a 5.5 percent sales increase in Mexico (30,648 units); and a sales increase of 2.8 percent in Canada (56,636 units).

Chrysler's worldwide vehicle sales declined 3 percent during the third quarter of 2007 to 615,530 units (2006: 634,656 units). Sales increases in select markets were driven by the worldwide appeal and strong customer interest in Chrysler's new vehicles, including the Jeep(R) Wrangler, Jeep Compass and Jeep Patriot.

"The North American market will continue to be vital to the overall growth of Chrysler," said Steven Landry, Executive Vice President - North American Sales. "Although the U.S. is our largest market, it is important to note the growing importance of regions like Canada and Mexico that are contributing more and more to this Company, as we expand our product portfolio to meet the needs of our global customer base."

Chrysler's International Markets

Fueled by demand for new Jeep and Dodge models, third quarter sales for markets outside North America were up 20 percent to 62,516 units during the third quarter (2006: 52,114 units). For the month of September, sales increased 12.3 percent to 23,016 units, bringing the number of consecutive months for year-over-year sales improvement to 28.

Many new models have had a significant impact on the recent increases. Jeep Wrangler sales of 11,650 units in 2007 have nearly doubled last year's total for the same time period. And the recently-introduced Dodge Nitro was among the top-selling vehicles Internationally in September.

"The Company is now experiencing the strength of our International product offensive," said Michael Manley -- Executive Vice President of International Sales, Marketing and Business Development. "Though we have achieved approximately 20 percent growth this year, we recognize that we are working from a relatively low base, and continue to have opportunity to grow. We are however, pleased for our dealers who have worked hard and had the confidence to invest in us. As we move forward, we will continue to focus on them and satisfying our customers, as that is the key to our continued success."

Chrysler Mexico

Posting its best September ever, Chrysler Mexico sales rose 3.2 percent to 10,543 units in September 2007. SUV sales were up 62.4 percent for the month while total trucks advanced 20.6 percent. Also posting an all-time third quarter record, from July to September, Chrysler Mexico sales rose 5.5 percent to 30,648 units (2006: 29,055 units).

Chrysler Canada

Chrysler Canada recorded another successful month of sales extending the growth streak to 14 months in a row. Chrysler Canada September sales of 17,011 vehicles rose 5.1 percent over the same month last year. During the third quarter, sales also advanced 2.8 percent in Canada to 56,636 units.

Chrysler's U.S. market

In the highly competitive market environment of the U.S., Chrysler sales declined 5.4 percent to 159,799 units in September 2007, driven by planned fleet reductions of 21 percent. However, Chrysler brand car sales rose 10 percent year-over-year in September led by the Sebring Sedan and Convertible. Dodge brand sales, aided by the Ram Pickup and Nitro, advanced 5 percent from the same period last year. And the Jeep Wrangler continued to make progress with sales up 71 percent for the month. During the third quarter, sales in the U.S. declined 6.6 percent to 465,730 units in 2007 (2006: 498,402 units).

The Recovery and Transformation Plan (RTP) helps facilitate International growth outside of North America

To help the Company expand globally, a team from the Recovery and Transformation Plan is working on many fronts to assess new International growth opportunities and prepare Chrysler for expansion in select International markets.

The International Growth team aims to identify the right products and entry strategies to introduce Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge brands to targeted audiences and develop a more balanced global footprint. This team is working with Product Strategy to develop vehicles aimed at International markets.

The recent appointments of Philip Murtaugh as CEO -- Asia Operations and John Stech as the Head of Chrysler Russia LLC further underscore Chrysler's commitment to these markets as they continue to grow and expand.

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