• Chrysler achieves record sales for the month once again, resulting in a record quarter.
• Jeep Grand Cherokee named Driven Best of 2011 Car of the Year Awards SUV/Crossover category winner

A revitalised model range for the Chrysler Jeep and Dodge brands in New Zealand has boosted sales to record levels with a record month and best ever quarter result, according to official MIA figures released for December. The sales performance was attributed to the outstanding sale of Dodge Journey and the award-winning all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee released to NZ market earlier in the year.

Chrysler/Jeep/Dodge (CJD) 2011 Q4 sales result almost doubled in December with a 98% increase over Q4 2010 (143 units vs. 284) and an overall increase of 53% year on year (643 units vs. 983).

“This is such a great result, a 53% sales volume increase in a market that is only up by 3%, is a testament to how competitive our value offering is. We look forward to seeing that success continue with all new Chrysler 300 arriving this year and a strong start already underway for 2012.” says Todd Groves, Divisional Manager for Chrysler Jeep and Dodge under the Sime Darby Automobiles Ltd Distribution in New Zealand.

December also saw the 2011 all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee, awarded best SUV/ Crossover by New Zealand Herald Driven Best of 2011 Car of the Year Awards. The Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo was also recognised by Drive as Car of The Year 2011 4WD category in Australia.

“We are proud and honoured to receive this award. Jeep has a strong following here in New Zealand, and I think for all those who follow the industry closely, it makes perfect sense that the Jeep Grand Cherokee is the top contender for this category. We thank The New Zealand Herald’s Driven for recognising the hard work it takes to bring such an iconic vehicle like this right from concept beginnings to production and local market release,” says Mr Groves.

For more information contact:
Dee Vermeulen
Marketing Coordinator
Sime Darby Automobiles NZ ltd
Phone: + 649 571 7535
Email: dee.vermeulen@chrysler.co.nz