Used Chryslers are hot? Pentastar CPO sales are up

Sales of new Chrysler vehicles are down between 1 and 8 percent, depending on which brand you're looking at, but sales of the Pentastar rides referred to as Brand Spankin' Used are the best ever. Five-Star Chrysler dealers moved 10,204 Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles in August, a 5 percent increase over 2006. Particularly popular choices are the Chrysler Pacifica and the Dodge Magnum, those models seeing increases of 24 and 26 percent, respectively. CPO cars from any manufacturer are often a good bet, as they're typically a maximum of 5 years old and must undergo a more rigorous inspection than they might at another sales outlet. Chrysler's comprehensive 8 year, 80,000 mile warranty doesn't hurt, either. How could you deny the allure of a 300C that's delivered its depreciation hit to someone else, comes in cherry condition (Five-Star dealers typically wholesale anything that's not approaching pristine), and has a better warranty than many new cars? Now all Chrysler has to do is build more compelling cars that people will be clamoring for, even used.

Press release after the jump

[Source: Chrysler, LLC] {C}

Chrysler LLC Continues Record Streak of Certified Pre-owned Vehicle (CPOV) Sales in August 2007

Auburn Hills, Mich., Sep 7, 2007 - Chrysler LLC reported that its Five Star® dealers sold a new record of 10,204 Certified Pre-owned Vehicles (CPOV) in August 2007, a 5 percent increase from August 2006 sales of 9,713 units. For the month, Chrysler brand sales dipped 3 percent to 3,201 units; Jeep® brand sales spiked 19 percent to 2,890 units and Dodge brand sales rose 3 percent to 4,113 units.

Year-to-date Chrysler is the only domestic auto company to grow its market share in the non-luxury certified segment, the fastest growing automotive segment in the U.S. Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge year-to-date 2007 sales set a record by rising 7 percent to 84,845 units, versus 2006 sales of 79,050 units. Select vehicles with marked sales improvement include the Chrysler Pacifica and Dodge Magnum, which increased 24 and 26 percent year-over-year, respectively.

"With the right combination of great certified pre-owned Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge products and knowledgeable dealer partners to communicate those benefits to our customers, Chrysler CPOV sales are on the right track in 2007," said Peter Grady, Director - Remarketing. "Moving into September, our dealers are positioned to close the third quarter in record fashion."

Chrysler LLC offers one of the most comprehensive Certified Pre-owned Vehicle programs in the industry. For a vehicle to be certified under Chrysler's used-vehicle program, it must be a 2002 through 2007 model pre-owned vehicle with less than 65,000 miles and pass a stringent 125-point mechanical, safety and condition standard inspection. Chrysler CPO vehicles are backed by an eight-year/80,000-mile powertrain limited warranty, 24-hour, 365-day full roadside assistance with a $35 per day rental car allowance and a three-month or 3,000-mile Maximum Care warranty, in addition to a Carfax Vehicle History Report and buyback guarantee.

Marketed as "Brand Spankin' Used®" Chrysler CPO vehicles are sold only through Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge dealerships that have earned the automaker's Five Star certification. Five Star certification is a comprehensive validation of the dealership's facilities, operational processes, salesperson and technician training accreditation as well as customer satisfaction survey ratings. Approximately 2,000 Chrysler dealerships in the United States are certified Five Star dealers.