FCA US LLC March U.S. Sales Rise 2%

(RTTNews) - Automaker FCA US LLC, owned by Italy-based Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV (FCAU), reported Wednesday a two percent increase in total U.S. sales for the month of March, marking the 60th consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains, reflecting sales growth in three of its five brands. The company also recorded the best March sales since 2007.

"March was a tough month, yet we were able to extend our year-over-year sales streak to an even 60-consecutive months. Five years of consecutive monthly year-over-year sales increases is a great symbol of FCA's commitment to continuous improvement and a tremendous source of pride for our entire organization," said Reid Bigland, Head of U.S. Sales.

The Auburn Hills, Michigan-based company reported total U.S. sales of 197,261 units, up 2 percent from 193,925 units in sold in March 2014.

Total car sales for the month of March increased 12 percent to 52,644 units, while total truck sales decreased 2 percent to 144,617 units from the same period last year.

The sales growth was attributable to Chrysler, Jeep and Ram Truck brands posting sales increases in March, with five FCA US vehicles, including Chrysler 200, Dodge Dart, Dodge Journey, Jeep Cherokee, and Jeep Patriot, setting all-time monthly sales records. Eight vehicles set records for best ever sales in the month of March.

The Jeep Brand led the sales increase with a 23 percent increase to 71,930 units from last year, driven by a 41 percent sales growth for Jeep Patriot and a 38 percent sales growth for the all-new Jeep Cherokee mid-size SUV.

Jeep Wrangler sales improved 21 percent from last year. Jeep Compass sales increased 2 percent, and the flagship Jeep Grand Cherokee sales also rose 5 percent from a year ago.

Chrysler brand followed with a 15 percent sales increase to 30,038 units from last year, the best ever March sales since 2013. Sales was led by a strong 155 percent growth for the all-new 2015 Chrysler 200 mid-size sedan, while sales for the Chrysler 300 sedan remained flat. However, sales for the award-winning Chrysler Town & Country minivan plunger 59 percent from last year.

This was followed by the Ram Truck brand with a 1 percent rise in sales to 45,023 units, the best March sales since 2007. Sales of Ram pickup truck were down 2 percent from a year ago. Ram Cargo Van sales also dropped 31 percent, while sales of the new Ram ProMaster City commercial van surged 112 percent from last year.

Further, sales for the Fiat brand declined 5 percent to 4,494 units, with Fiat 500L sales decreasing 14 percent, and Fiat 500 sales edging down 1 percent from last year.

Meanwhile, Dodge brand sales declined 24 percent to 46,049 units, with Dodge Avenger mid-size sedan sales plunging 98 percent, and Dodge Caravan sales dropping 58 percent from a year ago. Dodge Charger sales also declined 18 percent from last year.

Further, Dodge Durango full-size SUV sales decreased 8 percent and sales of Dodge Viper, the iconic Detroit-built supercar for 2015, declined 25 percent from last year.

This was partially offset by a 56 percent sales surge for Dodge Dart, a 25 percent sales improvement for Dodge Challenger muscle car, including the all-new 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat, and a 1 percent sales rise for Dodge Journey mid-size crossover.

For the three-month year-to-date period, FCA US sales grew 6 percent to 505,854 units from last year, with car sales increasing 10 percent, and truck sales improving 5 percent.

Meanwhile, General Motors Co. (GM), the largest U.S. automaker, as well as Ford Motor Co, (F), the second largest U.S. automaker, are also scheduled to report sales figures for the month of March later in the day.

In Wednesday's regular trading session, FCAU is currently trading at $16.38, up $0.07 or 0.43% on a volume of 0.10 million shares.