Just over five years ago, Detroit auto maker Chrysler filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. However, the company found an unlikely saviour across the pond in Italian giants Fiat, who completed a gradual takeover before merging the two companies in 2014, officially giving birth to Fiat Chrysler Autos.
With such a bleak recent past, who would have predicted that this month, FCA U.S. would report the best sales figures Chrysler has seen in 15 years? The turnaround is down to a number of factors, and tells us a lot about where the auto sales industry is heading.
So what do Fiat Chrysler’s impressive September sales mean for those working in the industry? If you’re considering pursuing a career in auto sales and leasing, read on to learn more.
A Brief Overview of Fiat Chrysler for Auto Sales Training Students
Fiat Chrysler Autos is now the seventh largest auto manufacturer in the world. Prior to last year’s merger, both Fiat and Chrysler were already huge names in the industry, each with a rich history dating back over 100 years.
Students in auto sales training will definitely recognize many of the household names that operate under the company’s umbrella. FCA Italy’s famous brands include Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Maserati, and until recently Ferrari. FCA U.S. is home to most of the American names that were previously under the Chrysler banner, such as Dodge, Jeep and Ram.
Fiat Chrysler is the Top-Selling Auto Company for 2015
Auto sales and leasing training students will learn that certain dates in the calendar are pivotal for sales, and Labor Day weekend is one of them. The holiday came in September this year, contributing to automakers posting strong sales across the board for the month. Fiat Chrysler experienced a bigger boost than most.
The strongest gains came from Jeep, whose numbers increased 40% from the same time last year, while Dodge, Ram and Fiat also saw sales rise. FCA’s sales have now grown for 66 straight months in the U.S. Its brands are also increasingly popular in Canada, and the auto giant is currently the top-selling car manufacturer for 2015.
What this Means for the Auto Sales and Leasing Industry
Other automakers also recorded big wins last month. Ford sales grew by 23%, General Motors reported a 12% increase, and Nissan managed an 18% jump. In total, it is estimated that the general sale of cars increased 12% compared to last September.
While the later Labor Day holiday definitely helped, industry insiders are optimistic that car sales will continue to rise. Mustafa Mohatarem, Chief Economist at GM, said, “The economy still has room to grow and so do auto sales, particularly now that Millennials are entering the workforce and starting households.”
A Deeper Look at Auto Sales in Canada
For those working in the Canadian auto sales industry, things look even better. FCA’s sales are up 2%, with Jeep and Ram performing well, though sales of Dodge and Fiat brands have been disappointing. General Motors has also increased its sales by 6%. Ford, however, doesn’t seem to be doing so well north of the border, where sales actually dropped by 6% compared to the first eight months of last year.
Overall, sales and leasing totals for 2015 are expected to rise to 1.9 million, a new record for car sales in this country. Of course, this is great news for anyone interested in pursuing a career in the auto sales industry.
Are you interested in enrolling in automotive sales and leasing courses?
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