[PontiacJ8]

Chrysler today reported improved profits for the first quarter of 2004, signaling that new vehicle launches may be starting to help its bottom line.

Chrysler, a unit of DaimlerChrysler AG, posted a first quarter operating profit of $366 million, more than doubling the $166 million it earned during the same period a year ago.

The Chrysler Group, which includes the Jeep, Dodge and Chrysler brands, attributed the gain to a 3-percent increase in U.S. sales during the quarter and building excitement over nine new vehicles it is launching this year.

First quarter revenues also rose to $14.8 billion, up from $13.8 billion the year before.

Full Story HERE

 

[awalbert88]

It's a start. I am not totally convinced, however, that DC can really make this a full turn-around. I'd like to see it happen, but until more new product hits the market, I just don't know.

 

[leadfoot85]

ALthough soewhat exciting and sentimental....Chrystler is now German - so who cares...No more Big 3. It's more like Big 2 and a half. :angry:

 

[KOG]

They've made at lleast ne semi-fatal mistake. The magic new foldaway seats in the minivans are rotten seats. We've got 8 various Caravans, none newer than '95 because we simply hgave not lked what they've done with the later models. The foldaway seats are a nice idea, it's just the execution that's bizarre. They go those things into the floor not by making enough room for the existing (very good) seats, but by making seats that would fit the rather small holes in the floor. Why is it that they don't seem to realize that the minivans have kept the company alive for the last 15 years? Chrysler seems to understand the appeal of the Caravans about as well as all of the other people who tried, and failed, to crack into that market many years ago by offering inferior stuff like Aerostars, Astros, Windstars, etc. They seem to have stumbled into a success that they don't comprehend and can't manage.

 

[coolcaddy]

I saw an '05 300 on the freeway on my way home yesterday. Sah-weet!

I realize the 300 is one of those love-it-or-hate-it designs, especially around here, but I'm firmly in the love-it category. :wub:

 

[jro4566]

Yup, I too have seen NOW 3 Chrysler 300s. IMO, much better than in pictures.

 

[idontcareican]

"The Chrysler brand posted strong sales in April of 51,491 units, a 28 percent increase over April 2003 when 40,323 units were sold. The Chrysler 300 sedan posted sales of 9,543 units during its first full month of availability, and continues to generate excitement among customers as units continue to arrive at dealerships.
Chrysler PT Cruiser sales of 10,422 units increased 4 percent over April 2003 when 9,986 units were sold. Chrysler Crossfire posted sales of 1,522 units, an increase of 3 percent over the previous month's sales of 1,484 units.
Jeep® brand sales continue their strong ascent by posting an 11 percent improvement to 38,677 units compared to April 2003 when 34,922 units were sold. The Jeep Wrangler posted sales of 9,001 units, a 53 percent increase over the 5,888 units sold in April 2003. Jeep Liberty achieved a sales increase of 12 percent, posting sales of 14,375 units. April 2003 sales for the Jeep Liberty were 12,845 units."

Things are going good for Chrysler and Jeep but Dodge is down 12 percent for April and Mercedes is down 4 percent from Jan to April from last year. They combine to create a 1 percent sales increase from year to year in April for DC. Chrysler is ironically holding sales up.