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Fiat Chrysler continues U.S. sales increase streak

Atlanta Jeep Ram Dodge

Fiat Chrysler continued its climb back to health in June.  It was the 51st month in a row the automaker increased its U.S. year-over-year sales.

The long streak of sales gains is being led by the Jeep and RAM brands. 

Jeep sales rose 28% compared to last June, and RAM sales were up 14%.

"In spite of two fewer selling days in June versus a year ago, we were able to increase our sales 9% and post our strongest June sales in seven years," said Reid Bigland, head of U.S. sales for Chrysler.

The automaker remains weak in terms of small and midsize car sales.  The Dodge Dart has performed well under expectations, selling only 7,225 in June. 

But the company has higher hopes for the new Chrysler 200, which began shipping to dealers in late spring.

"Month-over-month sales of our all-new Chrysler 200 increased from a few hundred units in May to more than 5,000 in June, as inventory of the mid-size sedan continues to build," said Bigland.

Fiat sales increased 11%, but volumes for the Italian brand remain low.  CEO Sergio Marchionne said earlier this year he never expected the iconic Fiat 500 to be a big seller in the U.S.  Fiat Chrysler sold 3,328 500s in June, and 1,150 of the larger 500L.

Tracy Samilton covers energy and transportation, including the auto industry and the business response to climate change for Michigan Public. She began her career at Michigan Public as an intern, where she was promptly “bitten by the radio bug,” and never recovered.
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