(April 26, 2012) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Chrysler Group today reported preliminary net income of $473 million for the first quarter of 2012, up more than 300 percent from $116 million a year ago, driven primarily by its 40 percent increase in U.S. retail sales.

“Another positive quarter — built on sales gains that have surpassed the industry average — is affirmation that the Chrysler team is maintaining its focus,” said Sergio Marchionne, chairman and chief executive officer of Chrysler Group.

“We continue to deliver on the targets in our five-year plan and are now focused on successfully launching the Dodge Dart, a car that is a true melding of Chrysler’s and Fiat’s engineering and styling strengths.”

Revenue for the quarter was $16.4 billion, up 25 percent from $13.1 billion in the first quarter of 2011, driven by a 25 percent period-over-period increase in shipments and positive pricing.

The company reported a modified operating profit of $740 million, or 4.5 percent of revenue, in the first quarter, up 55 percent from the $477 million reported in the prior year. The increase was attributable to strong volume and pricing, partially offset by unfavorable mix, higher industrial costs, including new vehicle content enhancements and engineering, research and development for new models, and continued marketing efforts.