Riding on a record December retail performance Chrysler Jeep has achieved its best annual sales in eight years, according to official VFACTS figures released today.

With 733 retails for the month it is the Group’s best December result on record, taking 2005 year end sales to 7,557, a 13 per cent increase over 2004.

The 2005 result also set a new record as the most buoyant sales year since DaimlerChrysler took over distribution from the former Astre Automotive in 1999.

In its second full month on sale the Chrysler 300C posted another strong retail performance with 132 units to finish with 363 sales for the year.

Along with the PT Cruiser throughout the year, the 300C helped the Chrysler marque achieve a 14 per cent sales increase over 2004.

For the Jeep brand the Wrangler continued its popularity with December sales of 167 taking year-to-date retails to 1,597, up 77 per cent over 2004, in what has been the model’s best ever year topping even the model’s first full year on sale in 1997 (1,458 sales).

The Jeep Cherokee finished the year strongly with 171 retails, a 30 per cent growth over last year’s December result, to finish the year almost on par with 2004.

Jeep sales of 5,078 finished 13 per cent up over 2004.

“It has been another strong year for the Chrysler Group,” said Gerry Jenkins, managing director, Chrysler Jeep Australia.

“Not only have we achieved sales growth and introduced a host of new products, but we have increased our market awareness amongst consumers.

“The 300C is really championing the Chrysler brand and as for Jeep, Australia’s love affair with the off-road icon is clearly alive and well.

“The prospects for 2006 and beyond are outstanding and we will continue to introduce great products at competitive prices,” said Jenkins.

The Chrysler Group are expecting to further grow their sales in 2006 with a host of new products in the pipeline including a wagon version of the 300C, the PT Cruiser Cabrio and the arrival of the Dodge brand in the third quarter with the launch of the five-door compact car Dodge Caliber.

The Chrysler 300C Touring will arrive in Australia during 2006

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