Chrysler, Ford report soaring June sales

Jul 02, 2010

The Canadian Press

Chrysler Canada says its June sales were up 101 per cent compared to a year ago, but that wasn’t enough to depose Ford Canada as the country’s top-selling automaker.

Chrysler says its total sales of 18,502 marked a seventh consecutive month of more than 20 per cent growth.

That compares with sales of 9,211 in June 2009.

“In 2009 we restructured Chrysler Canada for future profitability and growth and in 2010 we are nailing it,” said Reid Bigland, president and CEO of Chrysler Canada.

“But the best part about June’s 101 per cent increase is that it was not a one-trick pony. Year to date our sales are up 36 per cent in an industry up only slightly from 2009. Proof positive that our products and restructuring efforts are on the right track.”

Record June sales of its Ram pickup drove growth, followed by the Dodge Grand Caravan. Chrysler said minivan sales more than tripled compared to last June.

Meanwhile, Ford Canada saw 31,707 sales, a 16 per cent increase in June, marking its best month in a decade.

Ford (NYSE:F) says it finished the first half of 2010 with sales up 23 per cent.

“Any increase for Ford of Canada this month is significant when you consider that we are comparing this June’s sales to an unprecedented month this time last year,” said Ford Canada CEO David Mondragon.

“In June 2009, we were the only major manufacturer to show a sales increase (Ford sales were up 25 per cent) in an industry that was down 14 per cent and where two key competitors were in bankruptcy.”

The June success of the big automakers in Canada is in stark contrast to the situation south of the border, where most automakers saw sales drop from May to June.

Sales of General Motors Co., Ford Motor Co. (NYSE:F) and Chrysler Group cars and trucks fell between 12 and 13 per cent from May.