Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge Middle East end 2008 on positive note

Trent Barcroft, Vice President, Chrysler International - Regional Centre Middle East explained:

"Over the year, we consistently reviewed and enhanced our operation, sales and marketing strategy and carried out a re-evaluation of our dealer network and are reaping the results. Significantly, we not only achieved the objectives we set but also boosted our retail market share and that drove dealer profitability in what was a very challenging year."

The biggest drivers for Jeep were the Grand Cherokee (up 18%) and the Wrangler (up 44%), while the new Cherokee - launched earlier this year - continues its march up the sales charts.

Dodge's tough Nitro and Durango models performed extremely well, but the best performing Dodge model (in terms of sales numbers) was the Charger with over 3400 sold throughout the region. Nitro sales climbed by a phenomenal 195%, with the Durango up11%.

"Our dealers in the Middle East and Levant region are achieving excellent conversion rates with customers and it is clear that people in the market for new vehicles really appreciate the quality and reassurance that our products give. The work we have done to bring stability to our market offering is helping our dealers improve their profitability. No one is saying 2009 will be easy - far from it, as we know it will be very tough - but with good quality products and discipline I believe the success of Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge will continue," said Barcroft.

Sales in Saudi Arabia were the highest with the UAE next, followed by Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and Bahrain. Yemen sales rose by 53% in the first six months of 2008. The Levant countries also showed good growth with Lebanon achieving a 27% increase in sales and Jordan also performing exceedingly well - sales being 69% up over 2007.

"Despite the downturn in the automotive industry worldwide, Chrysler's Regional Centre Middle East continues to push forward. We met all of our targets for 2008 with our three brands - Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge - and showed we are on track and properly centered on profitable retail sales. We will now continue our efforts in what is a very demanding marketplace," concluded Barcroft.