Chrysler Group reported sales of 166,262 units for October 2003. This represents an 11 percent increase from October 2002 when 150,254 units were sold. Dodge Ram had its second-best October ever, with sales of 41,162 units, an increase of 46 percent over October 2002, when 28,218 units were sold. (The all-time October record for Ram is 42,813 units, set in 1998.) There were 27 selling days for both October 2003 and October 2002. “Despite competitors' new and refreshed truck entries, Dodge Ram continues to perform exceptionally well in the marketplace,” said Gary Dilts, DaimlerChrysler Corp. senior vice president - sales. “You don’t accomplish a gain of 46 percent without superior product.” The Chrysler Pacifica sold 7,703 units in October, up from the 7,589 units sold in September 2003. October represented the seventh consecutive month of increased sales for the Chrysler Pacifica since its launch in March. “Chrysler Pacifica sales are good and getting better for one simple reason: it's a great vehicle,” said Dilts. “More customers are coming in to drive it. Once they do, they want to own it.” Jeep® Wrangler sales were up 60 percent, totaling 6,485 units last month compared to October 2002 sales of 4,052 units. All three Chrysler Group vehicle brands recorded year-over-year sales increases. Chrysler brand sold 34,810 units last month, an increase of 16 percent over October 2002 when 30,058 units were sold. The Dodge brand experienced an increase of 9 percent for the period, selling 91,184 units, compared to 83,726 units in October 2002. Jeep brand saw its sales increase 10 percent, with 40,268 units sold. Jeep sold 36,470 units in October 2002. “Our wide range of great products, competitive incentives and our industry-leading seven-year, 70,000-mile warranty add up to the best values in America,” said Dilts. "Plus, our dealers have executed smart, effective marketing plans that are bringing growing numbers of customers into our showrooms.” Chrysler Sebring Sedan sales improved 21 percent, selling 4,292 units in October 2003, compared to 3,557 units in October 2002. Jeep Grand Cherokee sales were up 8 percent, selling 18,968 units compared to October 2002, when 17,626 units were sold. Dodge Dakota sales were up 19 percent with 9,542 units sold. In October 2002 Dakota sold 8,043 units. All-New Durango to Hit Showrooms November 15 The all-new Dodge Durango will be arriving in dealer showrooms on Nov. 15. Priced at $25,920, the 2004 Dodge Durango is a large SUV that is seven inches longer, three inches taller and three inches wider than the current Durango. The new version delivers the refined ride, better handling and improved fuel efficiency of a full-size SUV, according to Chrysler Group. “It is better equipped than the previous model, yet the starting price is $1,000 less than the 2003 Durango,” the company said in a prepared statement. Early response to the all-new Dodge Durango has been extremely positive, according to Dilts, as advance orders for the vehicle are in excess of 38,000 units. “We are very pleased with the early response to the Dodge Durango,” said Dilts. “These advance orders show that our dealers are excited about this vehicle.” Chrysler Group reported that it finished the month with 536,169 units of inventory, or a 87-day supply.