Chrysler July sales up 13%: best month in five years

Auburn Hills, Mich.—Big three car maker Chrysler reported a 13 per cent increase in July sales over the same month last year, its best July in five years.

The Chrysler Group—comprised of Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram Trucks and FIAT—posted sales of 126,089 units for the month, 13 per cent more than the 112,026 sold in July 2011.

According to Chrysler, all five brands posted sales increases in July compared with the same month a year ago.

The flagship Chrysler brand led the way with its 35 per cent sales gain, the largest percentage increase of any Chrysler Group brand in July, according to the company.

With the increase, the resurgent automaker saw its 28th consecutive month of year-over-year sales growth.

Chrysler also announced a second quarter modified operating profit of $755-million, its highest quarterly profits in more than a decade.

According to Chrysler, the sales increase was driven in part by sales records for the Chrysler 200 mid-size sedan and Dodge Journey full-size crossover.

Sales of the Journey were up 69 per cent, according to Chrysler, the largest percentage increase of any Chrysler Group model in July.

The full-size Ram pickup truck, the group’s volume leader, saw a sales increase of 17 per cent, while the Chrysler 300 flagship sedan saw a solid 41 per cent gain.

Sales of the Jeep Grand Cherokee were up 22 per cent, and the Jeep Liberty mid-size SUV recorded a 34 per cent spike in sales.

Not lost in all the reported record numbers was the debut of the all-new 2013 Dodge Dart.

Launched in late June, production of the Dart has ramped up, with Chrysler announcing an additional crew at its Belvidere, Ill., assembly plant to build the compact car.

Chrysler finished July with a 65-days supply of inventory (341,699 units).