Dodge Ram Pickup and All-new Dodge Journey Spur Chrysler Canada Sales in June

* The success story continues with 23 consecutive months of year-over-year sales increases
* Dodge Ram grows full-size pickup share to 22 percent; Up to $10,500 discount in July
* Dodge Journey reinforces its position as the No. 1-selling crossover in Canada
* Aggressive price reductions on key models in July
* Chrysler Canada launches “Take a Free Ride into 2009” with no gas payment for six monthsWindsor, Ontario, Jul 2, 2008  -  Chrysler Canada extended its sales success to 23 consecutive months of year-over-year growth. In a down market, the Company sold 22,194 vehicles in June, an increase of 1 percent over June 2007, and gained almost one full percentage point of market share.

The Dodge Ram pickup truck bucked the trend and rolled over its competitors to capture 22 percent of the full-size pickup segment in Canada, a record high June share of segment. Year-to-date Dodge Ram pickup truck sales are up 3 percent in a segment that is down 12 percent.

“Despite rising fuel costs, the vast majority of Canadian truck buyers still need a truck for its work-related utility,” said Reid Bigland, President and CEO of Chrysler Canada. “Although the Ram is a great-looking truck, our buyers are not interested in making a fashion statement. They want a powerful, yet fuel-efficient truck that works as hard as they do. No other truck has the combination of durability, great interior space and fuel efficiency (up to 27 mpg Highway) as that of the Ram truck. Hard-working Canadians will not accept a substitute. The Dodge Ram is on track for another record year.”

June Highlights

The all-new Dodge Journey remained firmly in the number one position as the best-selling crossover vehicle in Canada in June, up 25 percent over last month. “The Dodge Journey is ideally suited to the Canadian marketplace,” said Reid Bigland. “With seven-passenger seating, a price point of under $20,000 and fuel economy of up to 36 mpg, there is no wonder it has become Canada’s No. 1-selling crossover.”

The Jeep Grand Cherokee helped drive Chrysler Canada’s solid results in June, with 75 percent of Grand Cherokee retail customers selecting the fuel-efficient and eco-friendly 3.0L Mercedes clean diesel engine. This engine offers class-leading torque, outstanding towing capacity (7,400 pounds), and class-leading driving range of approximately 750 kilometres. Clean diesel technology improves fuel economy by up to 30 percent and has approximately 20 percent fewer CO2 emissions.

The Jeep Patriot, Jeep Compass, and Dodge Caliber trio also recorded another outstanding month with combined sales of 5,412, up 40 percent versus last year, thanks to the available fuel-sipping four-cylinder engine. In June, 33 percent of vehicles sold at retail by Chrysler Canada were equipped with a version of the World Engine, the company’s most fuel-efficient powertrain. This family of 1.8-litre, 2.0-litre and 2.4-litre engines were jointly developed by Chrysler LLC, Hyundai Motor Company and Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, a successful partnership that launched the right engine at the right time.

July Sales Promotions

Chrysler Canada is pleased to offer Canadians two aggressive sales promotions in July as it looks to build on its position as the second highest selling manufacturer in Canada. Chrysler will communicate to the market its combination of reduced purchase prices and free gas for six months with its “Take a Free Ride into 2009” program.

According to Bigland, “The combination of our lowest purchase prices ever on key products, such as Dodge Ram and Dodge Grand Caravan, and free gas for six months is going to shake up the market. In today’s economy, consumers have to shop very carefully to find the best, and smartest, deals out there. Chrysler’s approach to the market is to lead with aggressive, historically low prices on our most popular vehicles. People want to know the price they can buy a vehicle for up front. No gimmicks, fine print or hidden fees, just low prices, with free gas thrown in as a bonus.”

The Dodge Ram pickup, the fifth-highest selling vehicle in Canada last year, is available for a discount of up to $10,500 plus free gas for six months. Even the highly-equipped Dodge Ram 4 x 4 SXT Quad Cab is on sale at the all-time best price of $24,750. This is no stripped-down model: $24,750 gets you the 5.7L Hemi® engine with fuel-saving MDS, 17-inch chrome wheels, air conditioning, power locks, and much more.

Customers will also find a great deal on Canada’s best-selling minivans with the “Canadian Value” package. For $18,999, shoppers can get a Dodge Grand Caravan with all their favourite features like the industry-exclusive Stow n’ Go® seating and storage system, Electronic Stability Program, ABS, side curtain airbags, air conditioning, remote keyless entry, MP3/CD, deep tint glass and much more.

Chrysler Canada will also be the only automaker to offer 2 mid-sized sedans that achieve 40+ MPG for under $18,000 - the Dodge Avenger and Chrysler Sebring. A well-equipped 2008 Dodge Avenger will be available for its lowest price ever in Canada - $17,999 for a vehicle that includes VVT 16v DOHC 4-cylinder, automatic transmission, air conditioning, power windows, locks and mirrors, and much more. Other deals for July include the all-new Dodge Journey for $19,250 and the Jeep Liberty for $23,999.

“Take a Free Ride into 2009” is Chrysler Canada’s newest innovative incentive program. During the month of July, Chrysler Canada will pay customers’ gas charges for six months on all 2008 vehicles (excluding Dodge Viper, Challenger, and Sprinter), as well as offer cash discounts of up to $10,500 on selected vehicles.

The ”Take a Free Ride into 2009″ initiative is in direct response to customer feedback that cites unpredictable, rising gas prices as a major shopper concern. As gas prices are at record high levels, this new incentive program gives customers the opportunity to cut their fuel costs and increase their savings.

“Canadian consumers can manage fuel price uncertainty even better by taking advantage of our free gas offer in combination with the purchase of one of our 20 Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep vehicles that offer 30+ mpg,” said Dave Buckingham, Vice President - Sales, Chrysler Canada. “We offer buyers more choice and flexibility than ever before.“