The best year of retail sales for Chrysler Canada since 2002
January 14, 2012
"For the second consecutive year in a row, Chrysler Canada was the top market share gainer in the country," said President and CEO of Chrysler Canada, Reid Bigland. This data confirms that Chrysler has regained its financial health two and a half years after its discharge from bankruptcy. In 2011, Canadians gave themselves the right to buy a new car or new truck especially due to low interest rates. This increased demand has boosted vehicle sales by nearly 2%. In the U.S., automakers have shown a clear increase in sales last year, Chrysler leading the pack. The economy's weakness remains the main dampener on the domestic market. From 2010 to 2011, sales growth was 26%, the largest increase for a manufacturer.
Two of the top five best selling vehicles
December sales were driven in part by strong sales of the Chrysler 300 flagship sedan, Chrysler 200 mid-sized sedan, Dodge Charger and Avenger sport sedans, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Wrangler and Compass. For example, the Chrysler Town & Country reported a 24% sales increase over the same month a year ago. Chrysler brand sales were up 34%. Chrysler has also two of the top five best selling vehicles in the country, that is to say the Ram truck and Dodge Grand Caravan.
Dave Buckingham, chief operating officer for Chrysler Canada said: "We surpassed full-year sales records for Ram truck, Jeep Wrangler and Dodge Journey, and our passenger car sales were up 23 per cent, driven largely by Fiat 500 sales." We know that Italy's Fiat now owns 58.5% of Chrysler.
A pace to be kept for 2012
Analysts expect worldwide auto sales in 2012 to be similar to those in 2011. The economic slowdown in Europe and the decrease in global growth support those claims. The recovery in auto sales began in mid-2009 and remains intact. In 2012 growth is expected, driven by a recovery from the paralysis caused by the tsunami in Japan. In Canada, estimated sales for 2012 are 1.61 million units, slightly up from the 1.59 million units sold in 2011. For his part, Mr. Reid Bigland of Chrysler Canada aims to maintain the pace of 2011 in the present year.
