(February 1, 2012) Chrysler Group continued its monthly sales increase string to 22 in January with sales rising 44 percent over January 2011. Strong showings from the Jeep, Ram and Chrysler brands led the way.

January was the eighth straight month sales advanced 20 percent or more. It was the best January showing since 2008.

"We started the new year with a bang," Reid Bigland, head of the Dodge brand and U.S. sales at Chrysler, said in a statement.

Jeep brand sales increased 37 percent in January with all five Jeep models posting double-digit sales gains. Chrysler brand sales rose 81 percent to 17,604 units led by sales of the Chrysler 300 and Chrysler 200 and the Dodge Charger and Avenger. Ram pickup sales climbed 47 percent last month.