 Jeep Sales Down
Posted by mike on 2003/5/1 23:00:00 (511) reads
|
Jeep sales dropped across the board in April compared to a year ago.
Chrysler Group reported sales of 187,086 units in April 2003, a 10 percent decline compared with April 2002, calculated on a day-rate basis.
"April was a tough month for the automotive industry," said Gary Dilts, Chrysler Group Senior Vice President - Sales. "Although the market was soft in April, looking forward, we see positive indicators. The affordability index is the best it's been in the past 25 years and interest rates remain at near all-time lows. With combat in Iraq reaching its conclusion and consumer confidence on the rise, we believe consumers will take advantage of the unprecedented values in the market," said Dilts. "The time to buy has never been better."
The all-new Chrysler Pacifica posted sales of 1,806 units in April, and there are more than 27,000 dealer orders in the system. "Pacifica has been very well received by customers, dealers and the media," added Dilts.
Chrysler Group's top seller for the month was the Dodge Ram pickup truck. Dodge sold 35,638 units of the Ram in April, a one-percent increase compared to April 2002.
Chrysler Group finished the month with 511,518 units of inventory, or a 71-day supply, that is in-line with industry standards. DaimlerChrysler Corporation U.S. Sales Summary Thru April 2003
Month Sales DR % Sales CYTD DR %
Model Curr Yr Pr Yr Change Curr Yr Pr Yr Change
Wrangler 5,888 6,108 -7% 19,115 18,495 3%
Liberty 12,845 12,437 -1% 50,050 47,317 6%
Grand Cherokee 16,189 19,142 -19% 58,710 70,449 -17%
JEEP BRAND 34,922 37,687 -11% 127,875 136,261 -6% Overall April Jeep sales were down 11% compared to April, 2002, mainly due to poor Grand Cherokee sales which were down 19%.
Reader Reactions
The comments are owned by the poster. We aren't responsible for their content. You must login or register to post a comment.
| Poster |
Thread |
| Anonymous |
Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00 |
| |
 Originally posted by: dill well i guess if it aint broke, dont fix it.
|
|
|
| Poster |
Thread |
| Anonymous |
Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00 |
| |
Originally posted by: jon I am guessing that the next Grand Cherokee will look alot like the Commander 2 concept vehicle.
It will be the first American/German Jeep. The next GC will be a lower profile and be very "edgy" and get better gas milage. Look out Hummer 2.
The 2004 GC have been on sale for some time and I betting that the 2005 GC will be introduced shortly after the new year(2004). Jeep has done an excellent job in keeping it a secret to what the new GC will look like. I own one of the last 2001 Cherokee Limited's and a 2000 Wrangler. I am going to hold off my purchase of a GC until I see what the new ones will look like. So I have helped contribute to Jeep's numbers being off.
I have faith in Jeep and will continue to purchase.
|
|
|
| Poster |
Thread |
| Anonymous |
Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00 |
| |
Originally posted by: to hell with hondas I think nows the time DC should unleash the HEMI. I think that would differentiate the WJ in its class.
|
|
|
| Poster |
Thread |
| Anonymous |
Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00 |
| |
Originally posted by: kjboy Don't forget the GC's reliability problems...I traded my GC for a KJ and I've got my fingers crossed on the reliability issue. I think that a lot of people might, like me, go for the KJ instead of the GC when they get to the dealer's lot, or trade in an older GC for a KJ instead of buying a new GC. Sure, the GC is better off road, but for most people, that doesn't matter.
|
|
|
| Poster |
Thread |
| Anonymous |
Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00 |
| |
Originally posted by: MalcomXJ Jethro: everything you stated is arguably salient and a valid opinion. My question to you is if Jeep were to move to IFS and add all of the on-road features you state what would differentiate Jeep from the competition?
In the GC, this might make sense (I don't think so, but can understand the logic of it). It's not really a trail or utility vehicle and has always been Jeep's offering for the luxury segment.
I would offer the possibility that Jeep sales have been waning because it's image in the public's eye has been usurped by Hummer (and has nothing to do with a seven-slot grill). Jeep needs capable off-road SUV's in the lineup to maintain the brand. The Wrangler is currently capable, but is also due a refresh. If my suppositions above are correct, there's a danger that DC will drop the "soul" of the Jeep brand to capture the Morono crowd.
For the record, the current GC is quite capable on-road. Every bit as the IFS Liberty. Despite the luxury label, it's also quite capable off-road as well.
P.S.- I'd buy a solid-axle Dakar tomorrow if available.
|
|
|
| Poster |
Thread |
| Anonymous |
Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00 |
| |
Originally posted by: Jeef Build the Dakar!
|
|
|
| Poster |
Thread |
| Anonymous |
Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00 |
| |
Originally posted by: dill well i guess mercedes is still a bit sour about loosing WWII to a little Jeep. ;)
|
|
|
| Poster |
Thread |
| Anonymous |
Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00 |
| |
Originally posted by: MalcomXJ Why the Murano? It could be argued that the Morono is in a completely different class from the GC: Price, size, capability. Sales of the newly-introduced Murano are not a factor. How do I know this? The Jeep sales have taken a freefall the last couple of years pre-dating that brand. While Jeep is stumbling (across the board -including disappointing Liberty sales), GM has the fastest-growing "luxury" SUV brand: Hummer. The H2 has managed to become the leading truck in it's category with building sales month after month. Why? Because it's cashed in on Jeep image and produced a macho-looking auto while Jeep introduced the Liberty. It looks rugged, and has the cache that Jeep had (but largely eschewed except for the Rubicon). It may not actually be all that capable for off-road use (as opposed to the H1) but it looks the part and that's what people want. People in the GC category are moving upmarket while Jeep plays follow-the-leader. It used to define the SUV market with *real* off-road vehicles.
|
|
|
| Poster |
Thread |
| Anonymous |
Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00 |
| |
Originally posted by: BIG RED IVE BEEN PREACHING THIS FOR YEARS! JEPP NEED TO BROADEN THERE LINE LINE.I AGREE THAT JEEP NEEDS A REAL TRUCK AND A LARGE WAGONEER!JEEP IS STILL AROUND TODAY BECAUSE THEY MADE USEFUL VEHICLES. AND WHEN I SAY USEFUL I MEAN USEFUL TO REAL PEOPLE.THEY OFFERED SOMETHING FOR EVERY ONE.A REAL PICK UP FOR HARD WORKING PEOPLE,A LARGE WAGON FOR A REAL FAMILY,A LUXURY WAGON FOR THOSE WHO WANTED STYLE & THE MOST RUGGED OFF ROAD MACHINE AROUND THE CJ. YOU WANT TO KNOW WHATS WRONG WITH SALES JUST START ASKING THE REAL PEOPLE AND THEYLL TELL YA.AND AS FAR AS RIDE AND STYLE JEEP HAS THE KNOW HOW TO MAKE THE TUFFEST FULL SIZE TRUCK HAVE THE BEST RIDE AND STYLING IN THE MARKET.SO COME ON DC ITS TIME TO DO IT AND ONCE AGAIN DO IT RIGHT.GET BACK TO MAKING USEFUL JEEPS. AND AS FAR AS THE NEW GRAND GOES IF SALES CONTINUE GOING DOWN I BET WE SEE IT ALOT SOONER. DC WONT ALLOW THESE OTHER COMPANYS TO EAT THEIR LUNCH FOR TO LONG.
|
|
|
| Poster |
Thread |
| Anonymous |
Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00 |
| |
Originally posted by: LGK Why is it that DC/Jeep come out with wonderful concepts every year and yet it takes them 10 years to change a model? Jeep should have more models i.e. a real truck, a large Wagoneer, etc. I own a Liberty because my '96 Cherokee turned 150,000 and the AC was too much to fix. While the Liberty is a competent little vehicle, it reeks of Euro. There is no storage space and I can't stand the center console. Why isn't there a change holder? Why aren't the controls for the windows on the door? Why does the mud stick up behind the plastic wheel trim? Where's my CJ!!!
|
|
|
| Poster |
Thread |
| Anonymous |
Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00 |
| |
Originally posted by: Weoflun Unleash the Hemi and refresh the Grand Cherokee appearance, but leave it a capable off-road vehicle. Take your time in doing it, I'd rather have a kick-ass truck, than something that was thrown out into the market as quickly as possible to match competition. Jeep has always done it's own thing, and eventually leads the market, such as the XJ in '84, and then the Ford Explorer (which to me looks similar to the popular XJ) in '92. Remember, Jeep is the one that always starts the SUV trend; do it again in '05.
|
|
|
| Poster |
Thread |
| Anonymous |
Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00 |
| |
Originally posted by: OR Bruce Please, DC, don't go "Soft-Road" with the GC. There are only a few capable wagons left. The Liberty's trunk is too small for me. I'd probably have to go to a Toyota, after 3 Cherokees and a GC. I thought I'd be a Jeep lifer. I'd have to look at a Dakar, though, if it appeared.
|
|
|
| Poster |
Thread |
| Anonymous |
Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00 |
| |
Originally posted by: to hell with hondas I think nows the time DC should unleash the HEMI. I think that would differentiate the WJ in its class.
|
|
|
| Poster |
Thread |
| Anonymous |
Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00 |
| |
Originally posted by: MalcomXJ "it is an OLD BORING design and copared to the other vehicles in its class it sucks. Has nothing to do with Liberty or anything else, the problem is it's old, boring, and looks like a minivan."
Brilliant thesis. Care to elaborate on "sucks"? ;)
|
|
|
| Poster |
Thread |
| Anonymous |
Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00 |
| |
Originally posted by: ugh The reason the Grand Cherokee sales are lagging is because it is an OLD BORING design and copared to the other vehicles in its class it sucks. Has nothing to do with Liberty or anything else, the problem is it's old, boring, and looks like a minivan.
|
|
|
| Poster |
Thread |
| Anonymous |
Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00 |
| |
Originally posted by: Rich We all come back to the same problem! Jeep f--ked up when they passed on the Dakar! XTerra and now, the damn $50 grand H2 have faked out the public
seeking the offroad mystique. Once again I say,
check American Expedition vehicles website and see
what 35 grand can REALLY get you. Once Jeep could
take some pointers
|
|
|
| Poster |
Thread |
| Anonymous |
Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00 |
| |
Originally posted by: Jethro IMO GC sales are down since it is an older model and due soon (05') for a complete overhaul at least that was the rumor at camp jeep. Also, jeep is quite pricey when compared to other larger suv's. Heck the Overland is $40K where i live and for $45K your in an H2. What i think people really want is a rugged looking suv that give a car like ride and drive, people are tending to move away from truck based suv's. Also, really how many people actually take an suv off road even a jeep, i bet not that many and to even find a place to go offroad in the city is a challenge in itself. I think jeep will transform the GC in 05' and give it a third row seat, IFS and a smoother ride to compete with all the new crossover suv hitting the market of course just my opinion.....
|
|
|
| Poster |
Thread |
| Anonymous |
Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00 |
| |
Originally posted by: Jeef Build the Dakar!
|
|
|
| Poster |
Thread |
| Anonymous |
Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00 |
| |
Originally posted by: TJ Jon MalcomXJ nailed it. I see as many H2s on the road as
Libertys. During the war the cable news stations seemed to
have H2 image-oriented ads on every thirty minutes. Where
were the Jeep spots? The only one I remember was
something about a guy hooking up with a girl in their TJs.
Great focus. I guess that was aimed at kids shopping for a
sports car. Jeep does a great job touting its heritage in the
magazine it sends to owners, but it refuses to do so in tv
and print ads. Jeep even lets Land Rover steal its thunder.
|
|
|
| Poster |
Thread |
| Anonymous |
Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00 |
| |
Originally posted by: Erik Latranyi I disagree with the above comments. I do not think the Liberty is cutting into Grand Cherokee sales.
Rather, I believe that the influx of new, mid-size SUV's like the Nissan Murano are the real reason.
There are a lot of Grand Cherokees out there. People want something styled differently. Vehicles like the Murano, while inferior, make a statement.
|
|
|
| Poster |
Thread |
| Anonymous |
Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00 |
| |
Originally posted by: TJ Jon Judging by the yearly sales figures, it sure looks as if
Liberty is cannibalizing sales of the WJ.
|
|
|
|
|
Digg This Story
Save This Page to del.icio.us
