Auburn Hills, Mich. - Chrysler Group reported sales of 197,856 units in March 2004, a decrease of 2 percent compared to March 2003, when 201,941 units were sold. First quarter U.S. sales of 517,504units increased 2 percent over first quarter sales of 501,777 units in 2003. First quarter 2004 is the second consecutive quarter of increased sales for the Chrysler Group. Sales are calculated on a day-rate basis.

'We achieved a strong first quarter and that gave us two consecutive quarters of sales increases,' said Gary Dilts, Chrysler Group Senior Vice President - Sales. 'We are in transition and revamping our entire product lineup for 2004. So, having two consecutive positive quarters says our long-term strategy is beginning to pay off.'

Dodge Ram led the way for the company, setting a first quarter sales record with sales of 102,845 units, an increase of 4 percent over first quarter of 2003, when 97,474 units were sold. Dodge Ram achieved an all-time March record by posting sales of 42,976 units, an increase of 10 percent compared to March 2003, when 38,931 units were sold.

Dodge Durango sales for March 2004 totaled 10,754 units, an increase of 12 percent over March 2003 when 9,586 units were sold.

Led by strong sales of several nameplates, the Chrysler brand achieved a strong first quarter, with sales increasing 11 percent to 123,460 units, compared to sales of 109,477 during the first quarter of 2003. For the month, the Chrysler brand posted sales of 50,119 units, an increase of 17 percent over March 2003 when 42,994 units were sold.

Chrysler Pacifica sales of 8,552 units increased 22 percent over February 2004 sales of 6,454 units. Chrysler Crossfire sales surged 30 percent to 1,484 units compared to February 2004. Chrysler PT Cruiser set a new sales record by increasing 27 percent to 14,080 units compared to March 2003 sales of 11,054 units.

Jeep® brand sales increased 19 percent during the first quarter to 112,245 units, posting the second best quarter in the history of the Jeep brand. For March 2004, Jeep sales increased 5 percent to 39,967 units, compared to sales of 38,222 units for March 2003. Jeep Wrangler continued its sales ascent by posting a sales record of 8,044 units, an increase of 46 percent compared to March 2003, when 5,497 units were sold. Jeep Liberty also achieved a monthly sales record of 14,818 units, compared to March 2003 when 14,760 units were sold.

'Consumer confidence is growing and is much higher than last year,' said Dilts. 'Economic indicators point towards a stronger second quarter. Timing is everything and we believe our timing is perfect. We are launching exciting new products and look forward to achieving a third consecutive quarter of sales gains.'

Chrysler Group finished the month with 585,114 units of inventory, a 77-day supply.