The 2019 Jeep GladiatorMack Hogan | CNBCFiat Chrysler narrowed its gross sales losses within the fourth quarter however not sufficient to keep away
The 2019 Jeep Gladiator
Mack Hogan | CNBC
Fiat Chrysler narrowed its gross sales losses within the fourth quarter however not sufficient to keep away from what is anticipated to be one of many worst declines within the auto business for 2020.
The Italian-American automaker’s U.S. gross sales tumbled 17.4% final 12 months in contrast with 2019, the corporate mentioned Tuesday. Gross sales weren’t fairly as unhealthy within the fourth quarter, falling 7.9% in contrast with the identical time in 2019. That is worse than the remainder of the business, which is anticipated to report a 15% drop in gross sales final 12 months as a result of coronavirus pandemic as soon as all automakers launch their gross sales outcomes.
Fiat Chrysler’s largest crosstown rival, Normal Motors, earlier within the day reported an 11.8% decline in its gross sales for 2020, whereas Ford Motor is anticipated to report its gross sales Wednesday morning. Toyota Motor reported its U.S. gross sales declined 11.2% final 12 months in contrast with 2019, whereas Nissan Motor mentioned its gross sales cratered 33.2%.
Fiat Chrysler mentioned its gross sales decline was largely on account of decrease gross sales to industrial fleet prospects. Fourth-quarter gross sales to retail prospects really rose a bit, by 1%. The corporate declined to launch its retail gross sales or fleet gross sales for the 12 months.
There have been few vibrant spots for Fiat Chrysler’s gross sales in 2020. Its area of interest italian luxurious model Alfa Romeo was the one division to report a rise for the 12 months, up 1.6%. Apart from an 8.9% improve for the Alfa Romeo Stelvio crossover and practically doubling gross sales of the Jeep Gladiator pickup, each different automobile within the automaker’s six-brand lineup was down for the 12 months. Gross sales of its highly-important Ram pickup ended final 12 months down 11.1% in comparison with 2019.
“The fourth quarter supplied a robust springboard heading into 2021. Wanting forward, we anticipate an thrilling 12 months that can embody quite a lot of new automobiles,” Jeff Kommor, Fiat Chrysler’s head of U.S. gross sales, mentioned in a launch.