DEARBORN (dpa-AFX) - Automaker Chrysler Group LLC reported Tuesday a 14 percent increase in total U.S. sales for the month of November, marking the 32nd-consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains, reflecting sales growth at four of its five brands. The month also recorded the best November sales since 2007.
The other two of Detroit's big three, Ford Motor Co. (F) and General Motors Co. (GM) are scheduled to come out with their sales for November later in the day.
Chrysler, which was once part of German automotive company Daimler AG, emerged from Chapter 11 reorganization in June 2009 and was bought by Italian automaker Fiat S.p.A. (FIATY.PK) in a U.S. government-brokered deal.
'Even with all the talk of a looming fiscal cliff, Chrysler Group is well positioned for a strong sales finish to the year,' said Reid Bigland, President and CEO - Dodge Brand and Head of U.S. Sales.
The Auburn Hills, Michigan-based company reported total U.S. sales of 122,565 units, up 14 percent from 107,172 units in sold in November 2011. The company attributed the sales growth to a strong triple-digit sales gains for Fiat 500, and the 77 percent sales gain for Dodge Journey full-size crossover.
Total car sales for the month of November increased 27 percent to 36,570 units, and total truck sales rose 10 percent to 85,995 units from the same period last year.
The Fiat brand of vehicles led the sales increase with a 123 percent growth, followed by Dodge brand with a 32 percent growth, Ram Truck brand with a 23 percent rise and Chrysler brand with a 1 percent increase, while Jeep brand sales edged down 1 percent.
Chrysler Group finished the month of November with a 90-days supply of inventory at 442,241 units. The company also estimated the U.S. industry sales figures for November at a seasonally adjusted annualized rate (SAAR) of 15.3 million.
The company also revealed that the Dodge brand re-introduced the legendary Charger Daytona at the Los Angeles Auto Show last month. Only 2,500 of the 2013 Dodge Charger Daytona will be produced in this limited-production run.
Looking ahead, Biglan added, 'We are expecting a strong December as the industry continues to recover from the East Coast hurricane and consumers continue to respond to our popular year-end Big Finish event.'
FIATY closed Friday's regular trading session at $4.66, down $0.01 on a volume of 91,700 shares.
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© 2012 AFX News
