Jeep, the SUV brand that is key to Fiat Chrysler Automobiles' global expansion plans, narrowly met its goal of selling one million vehicles in 2014, the Jeep brand chief said on Tuesday. Jeep's worldwide sales were 1,017,019 last year, up 39 percent from 2013 and a record for the brand
Chrysler Canada sold 21,613 cars and trucks in December, 40 percent more than a year earlier and wrapped up the best unit sales year in its 90-year history. Chrysler's sales beat Ford's in October and November. "The battle for best-selling vehicle company remained tight all year," DesRosiers Automotive Consultants said in a note to clients.
Auto sales are an early indicator each month of consumer spending. Sales in December rose almost 11 percent to more than 1.5 million vehicles, according to research firm Autodata, finishing in line with analysts' expectations. U.S. average gasoline prices are 34 percent lower than a year ago, and in much of the country are less than $2 per gallon.
Owner notification is expected to begin Feb. 13, FCA said. In the interim, customers are advised to follow recommended procedures for starting their vehicles, including activating the parking brake, placing the shift lever in neutral and pressing the clutch pedal before turning the ignition key.
