Chrysler Sales Down 2% Or Up -2% Depending On Perspective

Overall, Chrysler moved 161,088 new vehicles in November, down approximately 2.0% compared to 2006. Home prices, fuel prices, squirrel attacks, blah blah blah. The good news is that Chrysler brand car sales are up 9%, Sebring Convertible sales are up 946% (mayhaps a bit misleading) and Dodge sales up 6%. The bad news is that overall Chrysler Brand vehicles are down 13% thanks to a decrease in sales of the PT Cruiser (-50%), Aspen (-36%) and Pacifica (-35%). Jeep lost 2% due to decreases at both ends with the Commander sliding 28% and Compass sliding 45%. More fun with numbers in the press release below the jump:

Chrysler LLC Announces Overall November 2007 U.S. Sales Down 2 Percent as Consumer Spending Remains Flat * Chrysler brand car sales rise 9 percent over November 2006; led by Sebring Convertible * Chrysler Town & Country up 10 percent on the success of the new model * Jeep® brand sales down 2 percent year-over-year * Dodge brand sales up 6 percent from the same period last year led by Dodge Avenger, Charger, and Nitro * Dealer inventory down 4 percent or 18,612 units versus November 2006

Auburn Hills, Mich., Dec 3, 2007 -

Chrysler LLC dealers delivered 161,088 new vehicles to U.S. customers in November 2007, down 2 percent compared with a year ago. All sales figures are reported as unadjusted.

"Despite consumer concerns, Chrysler LLC sales are off only 2 percent showing customers are still purchasing quality and value. High fuel prices and falling home prices continue to impact vehicle sales in November which remain below trend," said Darryl Jackson, Vice President – U.S. Sales. "We remain optimistic moving into December due to the growing availability of new models, including Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Grand Caravan and the Jeep Liberty."

Chrysler brand car sales were led by the Sebring Convertible, which increased sales to 2,039 units compared with 195 units a year ago, up 946%. Chrysler Town & Country sales rose 10 percent to 12,629 units versus November 2006 with 11,507 units.

High fuel prices impacted Jeep® brand results, down 2 percent versus November of last year. Large SUVs saw the greatest impact with Jeep® Commander down 45 percent at 4,391 units versus November 2006.

Dodge brand car sales increased 75 percent over last year by steady sales of the Dodge Charger with 10,341 units delivered.

"The recently launched "Event of a Lifetime" program has resonated well with customers and will be continued through January 2, 2008," said Michael Keegan, Vice President – Volume Planning and Sales Operations. "We continue to offer customers a great value package and on select 2008 models we will extend the 0% APR through 60 months."

Chrysler finished the month with 480,424 units of inventory, or an 75-day supply. Inventory is down by 4 percent compared to November 2006 when it was at 499,036 units. [Source: Chrysler]