Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge begin the year with record sales in the Middle East

"It's been a fantastic opening to the year for all three brands," said Trent Barcroft, Vice President - Sales & Marketing, Chrysler International - Dubai Business Office

"To start the year with a 55% sales volume increase against the same period last year, is highly significant. Furthermore, the fact hat we have achieved this in such a highly competitive market is testimony to the quality, appeal and overall value for money that our brands represent."

As part of its aggressive programme of new model introductions, Chrysler International launched six exciting new models into the Middle East markets last year, including the all-new Chrysler Sebring, Jeep Wrangler, Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, Jeep Patriot, Dodge Nitro and Dodge Avenger.

The first new model introduction of 2008 - the all-new Jeep Cherokee - has already arrived in the Middle East. "The Jeep Cherokee is one of our all-time most popular models and our distributors across the region have been inundated with customer enquiries about it," added Barcroft.

Customers in the Middle East have more to look forward to in 2008, as the launches of the Dodge Caliber STR4, a face-lifted and enhanced Grand Cherokee and the all-new Chrysler Grand Voyager are scheduled for later this year.

2008 also saw a strong start by Chrysler internationally, with sales outside North America growing by 12% year on year, with total sales hitting 16,784 units. This makes it the second-best January in the Company's history since it began selling vehicles in international markets. January's sales also continued the unprecedented run of continuous monthly sales gains, which has now been achieved for 32 straight months.

Combined sales for January in the DCAA region (Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and South East Asia) were up by 55%. In the Middle East & North Africa region, sales increased 54% for the month, while Eastern European sales grew by 59%.

Saudi Arabia had the highest volume sales out of all the DCAA markets with 418 units sold in January - 58% more than January 2007.