Record breaking 2006 for Chrysler Group in the UK

4 January 2007

Chrysler Group has achieved record new car sales in 2006 with more than 20,000 cars sold for the first time in the UK.

The Chrysler 300C has proved to be a huge success with more than 2,000 registrations, beating all sales targets while retaining impressive residual values. The Voyager range has also had one of its best ever years in the UK selling more than 5,300 units, with the Stow ‘N Go seating system proving immensely popular.

For the Jeep^® brand the Grand Cherokee has been the big seller, with sales up 45 per cent on 2005 while the new Dodge Caliber has proved a sales success across the UK.

Peter Lambert, Managing Director of Chrysler Group, said: “When Chrysler launched in the UK in 1993 with just the Jeep Cherokee and Wrangler it sold 3914 vehicles. Since then sales have gone from strength to strength and the UK is now the second biggest market for Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge models in Europe.

“Driving through the 20,000 sales milestone for the first time is a significant achievement for our dealer network. 2006 was a challenging year for car sales across the UK, but the launch of six new cars has helped us buck this trend. We are one of only a handful of brands that have grown in the last 12 months with sales up 38 per cent compared to 2005.

“We are expecting an even bigger year for Chrysler Group in 2007 with seven new vehicles due to be launched. Sales of smaller SUV vehicles are predicted to grow significantly, and our new Jeep products will lead this growth. The new compact Jeep Patriot and Compass offer a class-leading
43.5 mpg, while the new Jeep Wrangler, with a diesel engine for the first time, is the only five-seat 4x4 cabrio on the market.

“The successful launch of the Dodge Caliber in 2006 puts us in great position to launch two new Dodge models next year – the stunning Dodge Avenger saloon and Dodge Nitro 4x4 will certainly stand out from the crowd. For Chrysler the 300C SRT-8 Touring offers incredible performance while the Chrysler Sebring saloon will herald our new approach to the company car market.”

Approximate dealer launch timings for 2007 are as follows (pictures are available on our ‘journalists only’ media website on the internet at http://media.chrysler.co.uk

February:

Chrysler 300C SRT-8 Touring

Chrysler Group’s Street and Racing Technology (SRT) division has taken the already great looking 300C Touring and added their unique blend of performance car handling and braking, performance-orientated exterior and interior together with the 6.1-litre V8 HEMI engine to create the stunning Chrysler 300C Touring SRT-8.

April:

Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Wrangler Unlimited

Completely redesigned for 2007, the iconic Wrangler returns with much improved on-road driving manners and a new diesel powered auto version. But despite the changes, it retains the classic looks and unrivalled off-road performance of its legendary predecessor. A unique four-door convertible, the Wrangler Unlimited builds on the strengths of its short wheelbase sibling by offering a practical, hard-wearing interior plus space for five and their luggage and the go-anywhere capability of a genuine Jeep.

Jeep Compass

Based on the Dodge Caliber platform, the Jeep Compass is ideally placed to meet growing customer demand for compact 4x4 vehicles and will be powered by 2.4-litre petrol or 2.0-litre diesel engines.

June:

Chrysler Sebring

A compact four-door executive D-segment saloon with a choice of refined petrol and diesel engines, the beautifully engineered Chrysler Sebring features an elegant, craftsman designed interior and cutting edge infotainment technology.

July:

Dodge Nitro

The marque’s first mid-size five-seater SUV, the Nitro boasts instantly recognisable style and sporty performance plus flexible interior design, affordable pricing and a choice of petrol and diesel engines.

Jeep Patriot

The all-new Patriot will appeal to younger customers who seek four-wheel drive technology and the cachet of the Jeep brand, but who demand compact design, fuel efficiency, practicality and affordability as well.

September:

Dodge Avenger

With distinctive, muscle car inspired styling, the D-segment Dodge Avenger redefines the concept of the traditional four-door saloon by delivering breathtaking visual impact coupled with practicality, power and performance.

For further information, contact:

Nick O’Donnell Press & PR Manager& Tel: 01908 301112 or 07753 914989 E-mail: Nick.ODonnell@daimlerchrysler.co.uk

Jackie Allard Senior Press Officer Tel: 01908 301113 or 07767 886251 E-mail: Jackie.Allard@daimlerchrysler.co.uk

Press materials and digital images of the entire Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge range are available to download for editorial use from our media website at http://media.chrysler.co.uk

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