Jeep sets all-time sales record in 2012

Wed, 09 Jan 2013

Last year was good to Jeep. Chrysler has announced its trail-rated brand set an all-time global sales record in 2012 by moving 701,626 units. That number easily surpasses the previous record set in 1999 when Jeep sold 675,494 models. All told, the brand saw a 19-percent sales increase worldwide over 2011, and much of that swell can be traced directly to the Wrangler. While the Grand Cherokee led Jeep sales, the Wrangler posted record numbers both globally and within the US, moving 194,142 and 141,669 units in each market, respectively.

Meanwhile, the Compass beat its previous global sales record with 103,321 units rolling off of dealer lots. In the US, Jeep sold 62,010 Patriot units, breaking that model's previous record as well. Jeep's impressive performance in 2012 marks the second year in a row the brand has seen double-digit percentage sales increases. Check out the full press release below.

Jeep® Brand Sets All-time Global Sales Record in 2012

Jeep global sales increase 19 percent in 2012 to all-time annual record of 701,626 units
Record surpasses 1999 Jeep vehicle sales of 675,494 units
Jeep Wrangler and Compass record best-ever annual global sales totals
Jeep Wrangler and Patriot record best-ever annual U.S. sales totals
2012 the third consecutive year of Jeep double-digit percentage global and U.S. sales increases

January 9, 2013 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - The Jeep® brand recorded global sales of 701,626 units in 2012, setting a new, all-time high – bettering the brand's previous annual high of 675,494 units sold in 1999.

Jeep vehicle sales increased 19 percent globally in 2012 versus 2011, and 13 percent in the United States (474,131 units).

"The Jeep brand has achieved double-digit percentage sales increases in each of the past three years, both globally and in the U.S. market," said Mike Manley, President and CEO – Jeep Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. "In late 2009, we set out on a course to quickly renew our entire vehicle lineup, with a focus on legendary Jeep capability combined with improved on-road driving dynamics, fuel efficiency and world-class craftsmanship. Clearly customers have appreciated the unique combination of attributes that Jeep vehicles offer.

"We expect to continue our sales momentum in 2013 with the introduction of an all-new mid-size Jeep SUV, as well as the new 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee, which will be available with a new, clean-diesel engine," Manley added.

In 2012, each major global region recorded increased Jeep sales versus 2011. Specifically, Jeep sales in the Asia-Pacific region rose 94 percent; sales in European markets rose 29 percent; and sales in Latin American markets rose 18 percent. In China – the largest automobile market in the world – Jeep remains the fastest-growing mainstream brand, with sales up 107 percent in 2012. In the United States, Jeep has regained its number-one position in the SUV market.

Several individual Jeep nameplate records were also set in 2012. Jeep Wrangler enjoyed its best year ever both globally (194,142 units) and in the U.S. (141,669 units); Jeep Compass recorded its best year ever on a global basis (103,321 units); and Jeep Patriot recognized its best U.S. sales year with 62,010 units sold. Jeep Grand Cherokee recorded sales of 154,734 in the U.S. – its best annual total since 2005.

Across the globe, Jeep sales were led by Grand Cherokee (223,196 units), followed by Wrangler (194,142 units) and Compass (103,321 units).

The Jeep brand's sales results in 2012 come on the heels of similar success in 2011 (sales increases of 41 percent globally and 44 percent in the U.S. versus 2010) and 2010 (sales increases of 24 percent globally and 26 percent in the U.S. versus 2009).

By Zach Bowman