Chrysler 300 Sales Up 65 Percent in August, Dodge Durango Down 45 Percent

Chrysler Group’s sales increased 14 percent across all its brands last month, up from 130,120 to 148,472 units — marking the automaker’s best August since 2007. The Chrysler 300 was a hot seller, moving 4668 units in August for a gain of 65 percent. The Dodge Journey set an all-time sales record in August, with sales of 7922 units for a 58-percent increase over the 5019 Journey models sold last year.

Sedans

The 300’s platform-mate Dodge Charger increased 30 percent, rising from 4174 units in August 2011 to 5419 units last month. The Dodge Avenger sedan was up 26 percent, with 7973 units, while the Chrysler 200 celebrated a sales record for August at 11,997 units sold – up 10 percent from August 2011.

Compacts

The Fiat 500 moved 4150 units in August, an increase of 34 percent over the same month last year. This performance also set a sales record for the Fiat brand, which was reintroduced to the U.S. last year. The 2013 Dodge Dart sold 3045 units in its third month on sale, up dramatically from the last two months thanks to a production ramp-up at the Belvidere, Ill. assembly plant. That number isn’t bad compared to the Caliber hatchback it replaces, which sold 3228 units in August 2011. Year-to-date sales for the new compact total 4019 vehicles.

Crossovers/SUVs/Minivans

The Chrysler Town & Country minivan celebrated its best August since 2006, with sales of 11,405 compared to last year’s 8801 units – a 30-percent increase. Meanwhile, the Dodge Grand Caravan celebrated its best August since 2005, increasing 35 percent to 16,428 units. The Dodge Durango, redesigned for 2011, wasn’t so lucky in August, selling 2884 units for a decrease of 45 percent from the 5222 units sold the same month last year.

Trucks

The Ram pickup continues to be the volume leader for Chrysler Group, with sales of 25,215 units – an increase of 19 percent over the 21,242 units sold last August.

Source: Chrysler