First quarter of 2007 sees Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge sales continuing to grow strongly across the Middle East

Building on the record sales achieved in 2006 which saw Chrysler Group's Jeep and Dodge brands increase their sales volume by over 40 per cent year on yea

DaimlerChrysler Middle East has just released sales figures which show strong sales for Chrysler Jeep and Dodge across the region for the first quarter of 2007.

'It's been a great opening to the year for all three brands,' said Trent Barcroft, Vice President, DaimlerChrysler Middle East. 'We achieved all of our sales objectives and delivered a 29% increase in volume against the same period last year - that's significant in such a highly competitive market, and testimony to the quality, appeal and overall value for money that our brands represent.'

As DaimlerChrysler continues its aggressive programme of new model introductions (the all-new Chrysler Sebring, Jeep Wrangler, Jeep Wrangler Unlimited and Dodge Nitro have already been launched this year), 2007 looks likely to be another record sales year. 'Sales in Qatar, in particular, were incredible, with volume up 154% against 2006,' added Barcroft. 'All of our distributors have worked really hard, and with great new models to sell, they're reaching new heights.'

The first new model introductions of 2007 are already in the Middle East, and have further boosted sales and interest levels. 'The first shipment of Dodge Nitro's that we received sold out immediately - more stock is on the way' said Craig Hardie, Marketing and Communications Manager - Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge - DaimlerChrysler Middle East. 'Response to the Jeep Wrangler, the Wrangler Unlimited and Chrysler Sebring has also been extremely positive, driving many new customers to our brands, and with the Dodge Avenger and Jeep Patriot still to be launched in the Middle East, we're highly optimistic about our continued growth in the Middle East!'

March 2007 was also the best sales month ever for the Chrysler Group's operations outside North America and marked 22 consecutive months of year-on-year sales gains. March sales grew 18% over the same month in 2006, and closed with a total of 22,375 units sold. For the first quarter, sales outside North America increased by 13% over the same period last year, with 52,570 units sold.

'The efforts of our sales teams in all of our international regions contributed to the March sales performance,' said Thomas Hausch, Executive Director of International Sales and Marketing. 'We have said that our business outside North America has a key role in the Chrysler Group's Recovery and Transformation Plan. These markets have solid teams in place to help grow our business, and with the right products tailored to meet the needs of global markets, there is a lot of potential to reach new customers.'

Sales also continued to grow steadily in key markets throughout Western Europe, reaching the highest monthly volumes ever - regions such as Latin America, with sales up 43% in March, also supported the record month. Emerging markets, like Russia, played a key role as well. In March, combined sales in Eastern Europe and Russia were up 69%; and they were up 45% against the first quarter of 2006.

Increasing demand for the Dodge brand continued as Dodge Caliber sales outperformed those of all other Chrysler Group vehicles, and made it Chrysler International's top-selling vehicle year-to-date (7,964 units). Jeep Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300C sales were a close second and third, with sales of 7,771 and 7,616 units respectively.

'Chrysler Group's clear definition between brand offerings, improved quality and overall value are ensuring balanced sales among the top products,' said Barcroft. 'In 2007, we expect this to continue as we introduce an all-time record number of new models, all of which are part of a balanced product portfolio and are designed to meet the needs of a specific group of customers, and complement, not compete with one another.'