Mercedes 2004 Annual Report Download - page 60

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Positive business developments due to new products.
Developments at the Chrysler Group were very positive in 2004,
despite the continuation of difficult market conditions in
North America. After reporting an operating loss of €506 million
(including restructuring costs of €469 million) for the prior
year, the Chrysler Group achieved an operating profit of €1.4
billion including additional restructuring expenses of €283
in 2004 (see page 24).
Worldwide, the Chrysler Group posted factory unit sales
(shipments) of 2.8 million passenger cars, minivans, sport-utility
vehicles and light trucks of the Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep®
brands in 2004, a 5% increase over 2003. The United States
was the largest market with 2.3 million vehicles (+7%),
followed by Canada with 212,300 vehicles (-7%) and Mexico
with 110,400 vehicles (+10%). The Chrysler Group also
shipped 170,200 vehicles to markets outside of NAFTA (-6%).
Worldwide retail and fleet sales for the Chrysler Group totalled
2.7 million in 2004, a 4% increase over 2003 (2003: 2.61 million).
Due to the success of several new products, the Chrysler Group
increased its market share in the US to 12.8% (2003: 12.5%).
The Chrysler Group reinforced its market position, particularly in
the passenger car, minivan and sports-utility vehicle segments.
In the US, the Chrysler 300/300C set segment records with
107,200 vehicles sold in 2004 since the launch in April. The
Dodge Magnum sold 39,200 in just eight months of sales, and
the new Chrysler and Dodge minivans sold 386,700 vehicles
(+3%), due to the market success of the innovative Stow’n GoTM
Successful launch of nine new models |Further substantial improvements in
productivity and product quality |Increased manufacturing flexibility | Considerable
positive earnings due to market success of new products
Chrysler Group
€
(506)
49,321
2,487
1,689
2,552,308
2,637,867
93,062
2003
1,427
49,498
2,647
1,570
2,652,186
2,779,895
84,375
Amounts in millions
2004
€
Operating profit (loss)
Revenues
Investments in property,
plant and equipment
Research and development expenditure
Production (units)
Unit sales (factory shipments)
Employees (Dec. 31)
1,932
67,010
3,584
2,125
US $
2004
56