Chrysler sales grow 31% in Middle East

Dubai: Chrysler International recorded a 31 per cent increase in cumulative sales of the Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge in the Middle East during the first half of 2008 compared to the same period last year, the company said yesterday.

"We reviewed our operation, our sales and marketing strategy and re-evaluated our dealer network and we are now reaping the results. What is important about the half-year now is that not only have we achieved the objectives we set but we have boosted our retail market share and that drives dealer profitability," said vice-president, Trent Barcroft.

The biggest drivers for Jeep were the Grand Cherokee with a 60 per cent increase, and the Wrangler, up 32 per cent, while the new Cherokee - launched earlier this year - continued its march up the sales charts.

The Nitro saw sales climb by 554 per cent year-to-date, and the Durango was up by 30 per cent.

Sales in Saudi Arabia were the highest, followed by the UAE, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and Bahrain. Yemen sales rose by 124 per cent in the first six months. The Levant countries also showed good growth with Lebanon showing a 51 per cent increase in sales.