Jeep, Ram Continue to Lead FCA in U.S.

FCA US picked up right where it left off in 2014, posting a 9.0% sales gain in the U.S. in January on a daily-rate basis (one more sales day this year than last). Light-vehicle volume totaled 143,719.

Trucks continue to lead the way, with Ram-brand deliveries jumping 13.1%, according to WardsAuto data, on a volume of 30,104. Ram pickup sales gained 6.7%, but the brand also got a bump from its new ProMaster and carryover Cargo van, both of which posted triple-digit gains. January marked the 57^th straight year-over-year increase for the brand, FCA says.

Jeep also remains a factor in the automaker’s positive performance, with sales spiking18.2% in the month on 51,523 units, its best-ever January performance. The biggest contributor was the Cherokee, which saw demand rise 38.7%, but all other models were in positive territory as well.

While the Chrysler marque enjoyed a 6.5% increase on the growing popularity of the 200 model, FCA’s other two car brands saw declines. Chrysler’s result was its best January since 2008, the automaker says.

Dodge sales dipped 2.6% daily, despite strong showings by the Dart, Challenger and Charger, as results for the minivan and Durango remained weak. Fiat sales were off 2.9%. Alfa delivered 97 of its 4C model in the month.

FCA does not report a fleet/retail mix of sales. It says it ended the month with a 101-day supply of inventory on 563,575 units.

“We kicked off 2015 with a 14% increase in (volume) sales and extended our year-over-year sales streak to 58 consecutive months,” notes Reid Bigland, head of sales operations. “In spite of some tough 2015 comparisons, we remain confident in our ability to post year-over-year sales increases on the back of strong retail demand for our products.”

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