Chrysler Gaining Strength In Canada

US auto sales for Chrysler dropped by 35.9% for June 2008, a historic pummeling felt across the company’s three product lines. Neither truck, SUV, or car were spared; Chrysler’s losses for the first half of the year translates into a 22% drop in sales.

North of the border things are quite different for the smallest of the Big Three automakers, with Chrysler Canada registering its 23rd consecutive month of year-over-year sales increases. Though sales were only up 1% for the month, Chrysler gained a full point in market share in Canada, in an economy that isn’t feeling the sting of the housing crunch now whacking America.

The Dodge Ram, which is losing sales left and right in the US, now has 22% of the full-size pickup segment in Canada, a record high June share of that segment. To date, Dodge Ram pickup truck sales are up 3% for the year in a segment that is down 12%. It doesn’t hurt that the truck is heavily discounted with July savings of up to $10,500 per truck, plus free gas for six months.

The Dodge Journey, new for 2008, continues to hold onto the top position as the best-selling crossover vehicle in Canada, up 25% over last month. “The Dodge Journey is ideally suited to the Canadian marketplace,” said Reid Bigland. “With seven-passenger seating, a price point of under $20,000 and fuel economy of up to 36 mpg, there is no wonder it has become Canada’s No. 1-selling crossover.”

“Take a Free Ride into 2009” is Chrysler Canada’s newest innovative incentive program. During the month of July, Chrysler Canada will pay customers’ gas charges for six months on all 2008 vehicles (excluding Dodge Viper, Challenger, and Sprinter), as well as offer cash discounts of up to $10,500 on selected vehicles.

So, while Chrysler is getting beaten up at home its share of the Canadian market continues to grow with deep discounts on Jeep, Dodge, and Chrysler vehicles helping that trend.

(Source: Chrysler LLC)