Chrysler predicts 20 percent sales increase in April
DETROIT -- Chrysler Group is projecting about a 20 percent increase in U.S. sales for April compared with the same month last year, Chrysler spokeswoman Kathy Graham said yesterday.
The projected figures were released by Fred Diaz, Chrysler's chief sales executive, during a dealer-only conference call Wednesday, Graham said.
A 20 percent gain would mark Chrysler's second monthly sales increase in 28 months, following a 1 percent advance in February
Chrysler sold 76,682 vehicles in the United States in April 2009.
This year's projected April sales increase comes on the heels of Chrysler's posting a $143 million operating profit in the first three months of 2010 after cutting costs and introducing the new Dodge Ram Heavy Duty pickup.
The one-year anniversary of the automaker's Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing is coming up April 30. Chrysler emerged from a U.S.-sponsored reorganization under the control of Italy's Fiat S.p.A. on June 10.
Chrysler said its worldwide vehicle sales rose to 334,000 cars and trucks in the first quarter from 318,000 in the fourth quarter of last year.
“I think the hangover from bankruptcy is past us,” said David Kelleher, secretary on the Chrysler National Dealer Council and owner of two Chrysler dealerships in Philadelphia. “We're really, really paying attention to our customers. … It's been a wonderful time on the showroom floors.”
The automaker is coming off an 8 percent sales decline in March compared with the same period the previous year. But it still managed to sell 92,623 vehicles.
Other dealers said they were optimistic for what the future holds. Chrysler is beginning to produce new products such as the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, which is scheduled to arrive on showroom floors in July.
Dealers have been clamoring for the fresh stock, especially because Chrysler's bankruptcy had delayed preparations for 2010 models.
“We're starting to see a resurgence,” said Alan Helfman, vice president of Helfman River Oaks Chrysler-Jeep in Houston. “If you got new product, people will come. I already have half a dozen orders on the new Grand Cherokee.”
Source: [ Automotive News ]
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