OREANDA-NEWS. FCA US LLC today reported U.S. sales of 213,187 units, a 8 percent increase compared with sales in March 2015 (197,261 units), and the group’s best March sales in a decade.

The Jeep®, Dodge and Ram Truck brands each posted year-over-year sales gains in March compared with the same month a year ago. The Jeep brand’s 15 percent increase was the largest sales gain of any FCA US brand during the month.

“Strong Jeep and Ram brand sales gave us a fast start to the important spring selling season and extended our year-over-year monthly sales gains to six full years,” said Reid Bigland, Senior Vice President - Sales, FCA - North America. “As consumers continue to shift their buying preference towards utility vehicles and trucks, they are walking directly into the FCA wheelhouse.”

Eight FCA US vehicles set records in the month of March, including the Jeep Compass, which posted its best March sales ever. In addition, Dodge Journey, the Ram pickup truck, Ram ProMaster Van, Ram ProMaster City, Jeep Wrangler, Jeep Cherokee and Jeep Renegade each posted their best March sales ever. On the brand side, the Jeep brand recorded its best March sales ever.

FCA US finished the month of March with an 82-day supply of inventory (644,474 units). U.S. industry sales figures for March are internally projected at an estimated 17.1 million units Seasonally Adjusted Annual Rate (SAAR).

Jeep® Brand

Jeep brand sales were up 15 percent in March, the brand’s best March sales ever and its 30thconsecutive month of year-over-year sales gains. The Jeep brand has set a sales record in every month dating back to November 2013. Sales of the Jeep Compass were up 53 percent, its best March sales ever. In addition, the Jeep Wrangler, Jeep Cherokee and Jeep Renegade each recorded their best March sales ever. Sales of the Jeep Grand Cherokee were up 10 percent for its best March sales in 11 years. Sales of the Jeep Renegade, the newest entry in the brand’s product lineup, were up 837 percent in its first month of year-over-year comparisons. The Jeep brand expanded its Grand Cherokee lineup with the introduction of a new Trailhawk model – the most capable factory-produced Grand Cherokee ever – at last month’s New York International Auto Show. The brand also introduced the 2017 Grand Cherokee Summit, bringing a new exterior appearance, a plush new interior and even more standard premium features to consumers looking for the ultimate premium full-size SUV.

Dodge Brand

Dodge brand sales were up 11 percent last month, the brand’s best March sales since 2014 and its fourth-consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains. Sales of the Dodge Journey were up 8 percent, its best March sales ever. In addition, the Dodge Charger, Dodge Grand Caravan minivan, Dodge Viper, and Dodge Durango each posted year-over-year sales gains in March. The Grand Caravan’s 117 percent increase was the largest percentage sales gain of any Dodge brand vehicle in the month and its best March sales since 2014. The Durango’s 25 percent increase was its best March sales performance since 2005. Following an enthusiastic reception from its Hellcat and SRT owners, the Dodge brand is expanding the popular Go Mango heritage exterior paint color to its entire Charger and Challenger lineups.

Ram Truck Brand

Ram Truck brand sales, which include the Ram pickup, Ram ProMaster and Ram ProMaster City, were up 11 percent in March, the brand’s best March sales since 2004. Ram pickup truck, Ram ProMaster and Ram ProMaster City each logged its best March sales ever. The Ram Truck brand last month unveiled the 2016 Ram 1500 Yellow Rose of Texas edition, a new, Texas-only addition to its half-ton lineup, at the Dallas-Fort Worth Auto Show. The Yellow Rose of Texas edition, which is distinguished by its Stinger Yellow paint package, will be offered in half-ton 4x2 and 4x4 crew cab versions of the Ram 1500 Lone Star. Ram Lone Star models are exclusive to the Texas retail sales market.

Chrysler Brand

Sales of the Chrysler Town & Country minivan were up 148 percent in March, the minivan’s best March sales in nine years. Chrysler 300 sales were up 21 percent, the full-size sedan’s best March sales since 2012. Chrysler brand sales were down 13 percent in March, compared with the same month a year ago. The all-new 2017 Chrysler Pacifica minivan will begin arriving in Chrysler dealerships this month, followed by the Pacifica Hybrid in the fall. The Pacifica delivers unparalleled levels of functionality, versatility, technology and bold styling – all at a price that bests key competitors. The 2017 Chrysler Pacifica lineup features five highly-equipped models, starting at $28,595 U.S. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), not including destination.

FIAT Brand

FIAT brand sales, which include the Fiat 500, Fiat 500L and 500X, were down 24 percent in March, compared with the same month a year ago. The 2017 Fiat 124 Spider Elaborazione Abarth is the latest addition to the Fiat 124 Spider lineup, offering added performance features for a sportier, more spirited driving experience. The 124 Spider Elaborazione Abarth was revealed last month during the New York International Auto Show. After a thorough, in-depth evaluation by the staff at Autotrader.com, the 2016 Fiat 500X earned a Must Test Drive award in March.