Despite Chrysler’s troubles here in its home market, the Detroit automaker actually did very well in sales outside of the U.S. in 2007. Chrysler announced today that its sales outside the U.S. jumped to 238,218 units in 2007 — a 15% increase over 2006.
The sales increase is due to strong sales of Chrysler’s Jeep brand, particularly the Wrangler, Patriot and Compass. Interestingly, the Patriot and Compass are Jeep’s two worst selling models here in the U.S. In addition, Chrysler just announced that it would eliminate one shift at the plant responsible for Patriot and Compass production.
According to Automotive News, Chrysler’s worldwide sales in 2007 slipped by just 1% — despite being down 3.4% in the U.S. — falling to 2.676 million vehicles.
“This is a revitalized organization, moving in the right direction, with a renewed emphasis on putting the global customer first at every step in the process — anxious to serve, proud of the value and quality of our products. I am pleased to say that our global results are beginning to show this,” Chrysler President and Vice Chairman Jim Press said in a statement.
01/07, 3:33 PM
posted by:
CA36GTP
Good! Every Compass and Patriot that goes overseas is one that won’t make me nauseous when I see it on the road.
01/07, 3:35 PM
posted by:
LP640
Most of these are probably in Russia or China
01/07, 4:06 PM
posted by:
Madcapp
The Mercedes-Benz “merger of equals” was a disengenuous fraud. Mercedes-Benz didn’t gave a rats ass about Chrysler and left it to wither as they sucked out the profits. Time will tell that Chrysler is going to be alot better off now.
01/07, 4:08 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
It was pointed out in a post last week that Chrysler had overtaken Ford for the number 2 spot in sales in Canada. Jeeps have always sold well here because of the climate, but I also see a lot of Calibers and a disproportionate number of Ram pickups.
My perception is that they are also, however, the heaviest users of incentive plans of all the automakers: no interest for 6 years, first three payments free and the prices on many models have come way down (and this was even before our parity with the US dollar). I know it’s not the best way to move product, but at least they’re moving.
01/07, 4:46 PM
posted by:
HoosierHero
READ: Know your market! It just takes Ford and every other struggling auto-maker to read our comments to know what is and isn’t working for the most part. Everyone wants the Euro Fords. It’s a no-brainer. Chrysler needs to do that emergency make-over to the Avenger/Sebring or get rid of them. Dump the cheap Jeep crap like the Patriot and Compass. Sheesh…
01/07, 4:49 PM
posted by:
purdue
The Patriot is one of the best bargains out there. Go test drive one in the snow.
01/07, 5:12 PM
posted by:
autonut
Actually, those vehicles are getting popular in Europe. You have to wait for Caliber in France (they sell only with base 1.8L engine). it is not that there is a shortage of cars in France. I hope Chrysler will come with plan to sell models for development to European manufacturer to keep their momentum. They need all the good news they can get now to survive.
01/07, 6:58 PM
posted by:
1c3d0g
The Compass is a total waste of a vehicle, but the Patriot is pretty capable for its size, especially for those of us who can get it with the Diesel engine.
01/08, 12:55 PM
posted by:
mazdaman
If Chrysler can sell the Compass and Patriot in some part of the world and make some sort of profit, then I say go for it. Hopefully, this will give them the means to refocus their brands and improve their products here in the U.S. It seems as though global sales might serve as their salvation. I don’t care how they accomplish a revival, as long as they take advantage of it.
01/08, 2:54 PM
posted by:
Get Real
9 comments over days, people really “care” about Chrysler here.
Must be former owners.
01/10, 3:04 PM
posted by:
jackjimturkey
Good news for ChryCo.