Chrysler Group Announces Record-Setting Month for Certified Pre-Owned Vehicle (CPOV) Sales in August 2006

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Sept. 11 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Chrysler Group reported that its Five Star dealers posted a new Certified Pre-Owned Vehicle (CPOV) August sales record of 9,728 units, increasing 8 percent from August 2005 sales and rising 12 percent from July 2006 results. Year-to-date sales also set a record of 79,078 units, increasing 10 percent from year-to-date sales last year.

Strong sales of the Chrysler 300/300C and the Chrysler PT Cruiser helped to raise total Chrysler brand sales 13 percent to 3,289 units in August. Jeep® brand sales rose 26 percent to 2,432 units for the month. Dodge brand sales fell 4 percent to 4,007 units in August, yet year-to-date sales were up 1 percent for the brand.

"There are two important components of a CPOV sale, the skilled service technician to conduct a 125 point inspection and assure the vehicle is held to rigorous standards, and the sales professional to effectively communicate the value of owning a CPOV," said Peter Grady, Director - DaimlerChrysler Motors Remarketing. "Our Five Star dealers have managed to excel in both areas, which is evident by our consistent month-over-month sales success in the certified used-vehicle segment."

Chrysler Group offers one of the most comprehensive Certified Pre-Owned Vehicle programs in the industry. For a vehicle to be certified under the Chrysler Group's used vehicle program, it must be a 2001 through 2006 model pre-owned vehicle with less than 65,000 miles and pass a stringent 125 point inspection. Chrysler Group's CPO vehicles are backed by an 8-year/80,000-mile powertrain limited warranty, a 3-month or 3,000-mile Maximum Care(TM) warranty, 24-hour, 365-day full roadside assistance and a $35 per day rental car allowance, in addition to a CARFAX(TM) Vehicle History Report and a CARFAX Buyback Guarantee(TM).

Marketed as "Brand Spankin' Used(TM)," Chrysler Group's CPO vehicles are sold only through Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge dealerships which have earned the automaker's Five Star Certification. Five Star Certification is a comprehensive validation of the dealership's facilities, operational processes, salesperson and technician training accreditation as well as customer satisfaction survey ratings. Approximately 2,100 Chrysler Group dealerships in the U.S. are certified Five Star dealer