Jeep, Chrysler and Dodge record significant sales growth in the first half of 2006

"The sales increase has been strongly driven by our new models," said Trent Barcroft, Vice President, DaimlerChrysler Middle East. "The Jeep, Chrysler and Dodge design teams have come up with exciting new vehicles that have really captured the imagination of drivers throughout the region. The combination of stand out design, great performance and class leading functionality has really made people look at the brands in a totally new way."

The launch of the Chrysler 300C was an indication of things to come, with demand far outstripping supply - this was quickly followed by the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Dodge Charger and Jeep Commander, all of which have met with similar success.

"It's a fantastic time for the brands," said Craig Hardie, Marketing and Communications Manager - Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge - DaimlerChrysler Middle East. "The introduction of new models, expansion of the ranges and our entry into new segments have had a really positive effect."

The striking proportions, classic American design and advanced technologies of the Chrysler 300C immediately struck a chord with drivers around the world, and helped the Chrysler brand achieve record-breaking sales in the Middle East. A perfect combination of beautiful styling and incredible performance, the success of the 300C came from the fact that it is unlike any other vehicle in the marketplace. Almost overnight it earned the distinguished title of the most-awarded new car in automotive history.

The Dodge range was expanded with the introduction of the Charger, Jeep added the Grand Cherokee and Commander (the first ever three row, 7 seat Jeep), and there is much more to come from the brands in the coming months.

"We recently introduced the Chrysler 300C SRT8, with its high performance 6.1 litre V8 HEMI, and before the end of this year, will also launch the Dodge Caliber, Jeep Compass and Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8," said Barcroft. "Then in the first half of 2007, we will have more exciting new models hitting the Middle East market - the totally new 2 and 4 door Jeep Wrangler, Jeep Patriot, Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Nitro are just some of the highlights. It's a period of dynamic growth for the brands, and with such exciting and innovative new vehicles to come, we are highly confident that our strong upward growth will continue."