The Ram and Jeep brands carried Fiat Chrysler Automobiles through a turbulent 2020 as the automaker prepares to merge with France’s PSA Group next week.
Despite the circumstances, FCA’s U.S. sales in the fourth quarter weren’t far off from the year-earlier period, with sales down 8 percent after Ram had its best monthly retail performance ever in December. The Jeep Gladiator saw a 23 percent increase in the fourth quarter to 20,552 vehicles sold, closing out its first full year on the market.
For the year, FCA sales were down 17 percent from 2019 to 1.82 million vehicles.
Moving forward, FCA will confront the challenges of the pandemic with a partner. Its tie-up with PSA, which will be called Stellantis, is expected to become official on Jan. 16.
Brands: Fourth quarter: Jeep, down 4%; Ram, down 5%; Chrysler, up 5%; Dodge, down 31%; Fiat, down 58%; Alfa Romeo, up 23%
For 2020: Jeep, down 14%; Ram, down 11%; Chrysler, down 13%; Dodge, down 37%; Fiat, down 53%; Alfa Romeo, up 2%
Notable nameplates: Fourth quarter: Wrangler, down 2%; Gladiator, up 23%; Grand Cherokee, down 2%; Cherokee, down 10%.; Ram pickups, down 7%; ProMaster Van, up 13%; Pacifica, up 7% (Voyager sales mixed in with Pacifica); Challenger, up 2%; Charger, down 8%; Stelvio, up 36%; Giulia, up 10%
For 2020: Wrangler, down 12%; Gladiator, up 94%; Grand Cherokee, down 14%; Cherokee, down 29%; Ram pickups, down 11%; Pacifica, down 4%; Challenger, down 13%; Charger, down 20%; Stelvio, up 9%; Giulia, down 6%
Incentives: Fourth quarter: $4,707 per vehicle, down 7.4% from a year earlier, TrueCar says
Average transaction price: Fourth quarter: $43,926, up 6.5% from a year earlier, according to TrueCar
Quote: “The fourth quarter provided a strong springboard heading into 2021. Looking ahead, we anticipate an exciting year that will include a variety of new vehicles,” Jeff Kommor, FCA’s U.S. head of sales, said in a statement. “Just in the first quarter alone, we will be offering the Ram 1500 TRX, Jeep Wrangler 4xe, Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392, the refreshed Dodge Durango and the refreshed Chrysler Pacifica.”
Did you know? FCA said Alfa Romeo posted a record fourth quarter as sales jumped 23%.