Jeep sales were higher for the Patriot models — up 27% to 9,120 units — and the Wrangler — up 14% to 17,988 units. These venerable nameplates are basking in the glow of the Jeep Cherokee, which has been a big seller for Chrysler since its introduction last October.
The Ram pickups posted a gain of 33% year-over-year with 43,775 units sold. That is their best August since 2003. Adding in the cargo vans, Ram brand sales were up 39% year-over-year.
The company continues to claim that sales of the all-new Chrysler 200 are building. Month-over-month sales are up 39%, but year-over-year sales are down 7%. Overall the Chrysler brand is up 4% year-over-year and had its best August since 2007.
Like all U.S. carmakers, Chrysler sells more light trucks than it does cars, and its light truck sales rose 28% year-over-year in August. Car sales slipped 3% and are down 18% year-to-date in 2014. Truck sales are up 30% year-to-date and total sales are up 14% through the first eight months of 2014.
Chrysler projected a seasonally adjusted annual rate of sales from all manufacturers at 17.4 million units for 2014, well higher than last month’s projection of 16.8 million. The company ended the month with 64 days supply of inventory, down from 72 days of supply at the end of July.
Kelley Blue Book had forecast Chrysler’s August sales at 184,000 units in July, up 11.1% year-over-year. Chrysler absolutely hammered that estimate. WardsAuto had forecast a gain of 16.1% year-over-year, and that too was substantially lower than actual sales.
ALSO READ: Chrysler-Fiat Merger Dodges a Pothole, Paves Way the Way to IPO
Take Charge of Your Retirement In Just A Few Minutes (Sponsor)
Retirement planning doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. The key is finding expert guidance—and SmartAsset’s made it easier than ever for you to connect with a vetted financial advisor.
Here’s how it works:
- Answer a Few Simple Questions. Tell us a bit about your goals and preferences—it only takes a few minutes!
- Get Matched with Vetted Advisors Our smart tool matches you with up to three pre-screened, vetted advisors who serve your area and are held to a fiduciary standard to act in your best interests. Click here to begin
- Choose Your Fit Review their profiles, schedule an introductory call (or meet in person), and select the advisor who feel is right for you.
Why wait? Start building the retirement you’ve always dreamed of. Click here to get started today!
Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us?
Contact the 24/7 Wall St. editorial team.
Latest from 24/7
Our expert who first called NVIDIA in 2009 is predicting 2025 will see a historic AI breakthrough.
You can follow him investing $500,000 of his own money on our top AI stocks for free.