Chrysler sales rise 10 percent, a sign that October sales will be strong despite storm

DETROIT – Chrysler Group LLC reported Thursday U.S. sales of 126,185 units, a 10 percent increase compared with sales in October 2011, and the group's best October sales since 2007.

The Chrysler, Dodge, Ram Truck and FIAT brands each posted year-over-year sales gains in October compared with the same month a year ago. The FIAT brand's 89 percent increase was the largest sales gain of any Chrysler Group brand for the month. October marked Chrysler Group's 31st-consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains.

"In spite of Hurricane Sandy, Chrysler Group posted its best October sales since 2007 and we achieved our 31st-consecutive month of year-over-year sales growth," said Reid Bigland, President and CEO – Dodge Brand and Head of U.S. Sales. "Last month we also further demonstrated our disciplined approach to sales growth by posting a Q3 2012 operating profit of $706 million, an increase of 46 percent over Q3 2011."

A diverse set of Chrysler Group models set records last month. The Fiat 500, with its considerable 89 percent sales increase, set a sales record for the month of October. The Dodge Avenger mid-size sedan, the Jeep® Wrangler and Jeep Patriot sport-utility vehicles, and the Dodge Journey full-size crossover all set sales records for the month of October.

Chrysler Group's minivans each posted double-digit percentage sales increases in October. The Dodge Grand Caravan's 49 percent sales gain represented the largest percentage increase of any Dodge brand model while sales of the Chrysler Town & Country minivan were up 31 percent in October. The Ram 1500 pickup truck, Dodge Charger muscle car, and Chrysler 300 flagship sedan all had sizeable sales gains during the month.