Chrysler Group did its best to put a positive spin on the September, 2006 sales numbers, but it shouldn't be a big surprise to anybody that sales were down.

Overall Jeep sales compared to September, 2005 were up - but that's only because the Commander and Compass were available last September (the Commander had just debuted, so sales were still ramping up).

Here's a snippet from the official press release:

Chrysler Group reported sales for September 2006 of 168,888 units; a decline of 7 percent (4 percent decline, unadjusted) compared to September 2005 sales of 175,556 units. Sales are reported on an adjusted basis unless otherwise indicated.

"The new, more fuel-efficient products in our portfolio are available in the marketplace, and customers are responding positively to their arrival," said Steven Landry, Vice President - Sales and Field Operations, Chrysler Group. "The Dodge Caliber and Jeep(R) Compass are both strong selling products and the Dodge Nitro is showing great momentum in the short time it has been available. And, we've got more great products to launch in the fourth quarter."

The Jeep Commander contributed to a strong 11 percent increase in sales of the sport-utility category for the Chrysler Group and a 22 percent rise in Jeep brand sales. The Jeep Commander posted a monthly sales record of 9,780 units, an increase of 517 percent over September 2005 sales of 1,524 units, the first month it was available.

The Jeep Compass continues its strong momentum, posting sales of 3,680 units, an increase of 85 percent over August 2006 sales of 2,061 units. The Jeep Compass expands the product portfolio of the Jeep brand with an all-new, modern-styled compact Jeep that delivers fun, freedom, utility, excellent fuel efficiency and Jeep 4x4 capability at a terrific value.

"We intend to remain competitive in the marketplace with great new fuel- efficient product introductions like the Jeep Compass and Dodge Nitro," said Michael Manley, Vice President - Sales Strategy and Dealer Operations, Chrysler Group. "Our hallmark is great products at a great value with the best of American and German engineering and design. We intend to rely on those strengths and offer something truly unique to customers in the market who want to buy a new vehicle."

Chrysler Group finished the month with 533,220 units of inventory, or an 82-day supply.

           DaimlerChrysler Corporation U.S. Sales Summary Thru
                              September 2006


                       Month Sales        DR %     Vol %
          Model      Curr Yr    Pr Yr    Change   Change
  Compass             3,680         0       0%      0%
  Wrangler            5,032     5,463     -11%     -8%
  Liberty            12,367    12,108      -2%      2%
  Grand Cherokee     11,034    14,025     -24%    -21%
  Commander           9,780     1,524     517%    542%
    JEEP BRAND       41,893    33,120      22%     26%

                        Sales CYTD        DR %      Vol %
          Model      Curr Yr    Pr Yr    Change    Change
  Compass             6,448         0       0%        0%
  Wrangler           54,234    64,697     -17%      -16%
  Liberty           103,214   130,986     -22%      -21%
  Grand Cherokee    109,158   163,821     -34%      -33%
  Commander          64,829     1,524    4135%     4154%
    JEEP BRAND      337,883   361,028      -7%       -6%