DaimlerChrysler reported sales numbers for March, and the Jeep brand is down 6%.

Chrysler Group reported U.S. sales of 217,158 units in March 2002, a four percent decrease compared to last year, which was the third highest March in company history (234,495). Retail sales were comparable to a year ago, but overall sales declined due to lower fleet orders, especially daily rental units.

Total sales for the month increased eight percent over February 2002, when measured on a daily selling rate.

Sales during the month showed gains in key areas. For the month, total sales of Dodge Ram were 35,457 units, up eight percent, compared to March 2001. March was the fourth consecutive month that Ram truck sales increased. Compared to March 2001, sales of the Dodge Caravan minivan at 27,427 units were up two percent last month, and Chrysler PT Cruiser sales of 14,015 units were up 11 percent.

"Sales of the all-new Dodge Ram continue to gain momentum in a highly competitive marketplace," said Gary Dilts, Senior Vice President - Sales. "This fall we will launch the Ram 2500 and Ram 3500, to complete our Ram pickup truck product line. Ram's best-in-class features, as well as its bold styling, will continue the pace set by our Ram 1500."

"Retail sales for March show that strong products and clear brand identities, along with a strategic incentive plan, can spur sales in a very competitive environment," added Dilts. "All of these factors explain why retail truck and car sales both improved significantly last month compared to March 2001."

On March 28, Chrysler Group extended its current incentive program through April 30, 2002. This program has up to $2,500 consumer cash on select 2002 model year Chrysler, Jeep(R), and Dodge vehicles, plus the company's seven- year/100,000-mile powertrain protection pledge on all Chrysler Group vehicles.

We think that it is interesting to note that in March 2001, 12,765 Cherokees sold, while in March, 2002 the vechicle that was designed and built to replace the Cherokee, the 12,594 Libertys were sold.

                    Jeep U.S. Sales Summary, Thru March 2002  
  
                                  Month Sales    DR %    Sales CYTD     DR %  
  Model                           Curr    Pr   Change    Curr    Pr   Change  
                                   Yr     Yr              Yr     Yr  
  
  Wrangler                       5263    5714    -4%   12387   14205   -12%  
  Cherokee                          0   12765  -100%       0   33894  -100%  
  Liberty                       12594       0     0%   34880       0     0%  
  Grand Cherokee                20175   23025    -9%   51307   58445   -11%  
  JEEP BRAND                    38032   41504    -5%   98574  106544    -6%