Fiat Chrysler Group ME Sees 2012 Record Year

The Fiat Chrysler Group has called 2012 a record year for its Middle East region, reporting a 66 per cent increase in sales on the previous year.

The U.S. car manufacturer – which houses the Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram brands – sold 25,321 vehicles in the region, a new company record, as well as setting a new monthly benchmark of 3,127 cars in December 2012.

“2012 was a remarkable year for us, both in the Middle East and internationally,” said Alfredo Altavilla, chief operating officer, Fiat Chrysler EMEA.

“Our sales showed major growth throughout 2012, building on the momentum of a highly successful 2011, which saw us achieve what was at the time our best ever sales performance in the Middle East.

“Sales-wise, last year we were the fastest growing manufacturer in the region with our Chrysler Brands, and we aim to achieve similar levels of growth with the Alfa Romeo and Fiat Brands in 2013.

“Our commitment to the Middle East region is also demonstrated by the expansion of our Alfa and Fiat Network – in 2012 we added facilities in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia to those already existing in Lebanon, Qatar, the UAE, Kuwait and Palestine – this year, we will add further operations in Oman, Jordan and Iraq,” he added.

As well as the sales increase, 12 of the group’s models made the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety’s (IIHS) annual list of Top Safety Picks for the second year running.

“This type of recognition from leading organisations acknowledges our focus on quality, design and performance and this in turn is being recognised and appreciated by customers,” said Altavilla.

“Consistent enhancements of our regional dealer sales and service network are also adding to our success, and from that perspective we’re particularly happy to be achieving growth rates that are running way above the industry average.”

United Motors Company (UMC) in Saudi Arabia came third in overall 2012 sales worldwide and was the largest independent distributor of Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram in the world.