By the Numbers - April 2010: Don't Count Chrysler Out Edition

Chrysler comes roaring back

Sure, Chrysler Group sales were up an astonishing 25 percent last month and its dealer network deserves a pat on the back for clearly working their backsides off in April. That said, let's not forget the low bar that Chrysler had set for itself last year. Heading into bankruptcy, Chrysler Group sales in April 2009 were nearly 50% worse than 2008. Thus, it was inevitable when industry sales began to rise in 2010 that Chrysler would beat its poor performance in 2009. Imagine what they could do with new products to sell?

By and large the entire U.S. auto industry enjoyed positive sales last month, with (shocker!) Chrysler and Dodge posting the best performances by brand. Subaru, per usual, is right up there with a near 50% sales increase (thank you, Outback).

The number of double-digit percent increases in sales is perhaps the most telling bit of info to take away from this month's chart. Only 13 brands did not have double-digit increases, and four of those were still single-digit increases while another three are shuttered brands from General Motors. Buyers are clearly in a buying mood. At this point, which automaker gets the sale comes down to either who has the newest product or offers the most aggressive incentives.

*Brands and companies are displayed in descending order according to their percentage change in volume sales. There were 26 selling days in April 2010 and 26selling days in April 2009, so the change in monthly sales volume will equal the change in the average daily sales rate (DSR) for each brand/company.