AUBURN HILLS, Mich. – Fiat Chrysler says U.S. sales soared 14 percent last month, helped in part by another strong month from the carmaker's Jeep brand.
Jeep sales were up 40 percent, and Fiat Chrysler sold 169,890 vehicles overall in what the company described as its best September since 2000.
The automaker said it sold 193,019 units -- compared to 2014's 169,890 units.
"On the back of a strong sales industry we were able to achieve our best September sales in 15 years and our 66th-consecutive month of year-over-year sales growth," said Reid Bigland, Head of U.S. Sales. "Last month's sales strength was broad based with five FCA vehicles setting September sales records and two others posting their best monthly sales ever."
Other automakers report sales later Thursday.
Analysts expect most automakers to report strong sales for September, partly because of the late Labor Day holiday. Kelly Blue Book forecast a 12 percent increase in sales from a year ago to 1.39 million cars and trucks.
Labor Day is typically one of the biggest sales weekends of the year as dealers hold model year-end clearance sales. Last year, Labor Day weekend was counted as part of August sales. This year it's in September.
Jeep® Brand
Jeep brand sales increased 40 percent, the brand's second best sales month ever and its 24th-consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains. The brand's September sales were its best since May of this year. The Jeep brand continues to roll, having set a sales record in every month dating back to November 2013. Three Jeep brand vehicles set records last month. The Compass' 54 percent increase was the largest year-over-year percentage gain of any Jeep brand model for the month. In addition, September was the Cherokee's best monthly sales ever as sales increased 38 percent and Wrangler posted its best September sales ever with a 26 percent increase.
Ram Truck Brand
Ram Truck brand sales, which include the Ram pickup truck lineup, Ram ProMaster, Ram ProMaster City and Ram Cargo Van, were up 4 percent in September, the brand's best September sales since 1996. ProMaster sales were up 76 percent as the cargo van continues to answer the call of businesses everywhere and solidifies its place in Ram Commercial's popular truck and van lineup.
FIAT Brand
Sales of the all-new 2016 Fiat 500X increased 10 percent in September compared with the previous month of August, marking the model's third-consecutive month of sales increase since launch. FIAT dealers sold 1,133 units of the new crossover last month as greater numbers reached FIAT studios across the country. FIAT brand sales, which include the Fiat 500, Fiat 500L and 500X, were up 1 percent in September compared with the same month a year ago.
Dodge Brand
Both the Challenger and Journey posted their best September sales ever. Challenger sales were up 26 percent as the muscle car logged its eighth sales record this year. Journey sales increased 45 percent, the mid-size crossover's sixth sales record this year and the model's best month ever. Dodge brand sales were up 3 percent in September, compared with the same month a year ago.
Chrysler Brand
Sales of the Chrysler 200 were up 3 percent in September, the mid-size sedan's best September sales ever. Chrysler 300 sales were up 41 percent last month as the brand's big, bold American sedan posted its best September sales since 2007. Sales of the Chrysler brand, which includes the 200, Chrysler 300 full-size sedan and the Chrysler Town & Country minivan, were down 5 percent compared with the same month a year ago. The Chrysler brand is celebrating its 90th year by producing limited-edition 90th Anniversary editions that offer more standard equipment and value for customers. The anniversary packages are being offered on the volume models, adding value for the customer who will most appreciate it.