(June 2, 2011) The Chrysler Group showed surprising strength in what turned out to be a lackluster May for its U.S. rivals, General Motors and Ford. Chrysler reported sales of 115,363, a 10 percent increase over May 2010 and moved into third place in market share ahead of Toyota.

Chrysler's success can be attributed to a large number of all-new or significantly-refreshed 2011 models and the resurgence of the Jeep brand, which showed a 55 percent gain over May 2010.

The new 2011 Chrysler 200 mid-size sedan, the all-new 2011 Dodge Durango SUV, the all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee and new Jeep Compass, and the new 2012 Fiat 500 all significantly contributed to Chrysler Group’s 10 percent sales increase in May.

Sales of the Chrysler 200 were up 154 percent in May, compared to the model’s previous generation. All Jeep brand models posted year-over-year sales gains in May, led by the Jeep Grand Cherokee’s 192 percent sales increase.

“Chrysler Group just posted its 14th consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains, confirmation that our 2011 models continue to resonate with consumers,” said Fred Diaz, President and CEO – Ram Truck Brand and Lead Executive for U.S. Sales. “Our retail sales were up 27 percent in May, driven in large part by our new models. Ram pickup trucks and all of our Jeep brand models posted sales increases in May, despite high, fluctuating gas prices.”

While both GM and Ford saw truck sales slide, the Ram truck brand posted an increase. Ram pickup truck sales were up 16 percent, compared with the same month in 2010. Both the light duty and heavy duty pickup trucks, along with the chassis cab, saw year-over-year sales gains. This was the brand’s 13th consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains.

Sales of the 2011 Dodge Nitro mid-size sport utility continued its string of year-over-year sales gains with a 7 percent increase compared with May a year ago. The Dodge Caravan was the brand’s volume leader in May. Sales of the minivan were up 7 percent compared with sales in the previous month of April 2011.