DETROIT -- Fiat Chrysler Automobiles' U.S. sales fell 10 percent in the first quarter after the coronavirus upended the economy in March.
The Ram brand still managed to rise 2.5 percent in the quarter. Ram pickup sales jumped 7.3 percent to 128,805 vehicles. Ram was the only FCA brand with a sales gain.
The automaker said it had "strong momentum" in January and February that was "more than offset" by a turbulent March where many consumers were urged to stay home to stop the spread of the virus. According to reports, by March 30, at least 30 states and the District of Columbia had issued stay-at-home orders, affecting 225 million people, or more than two-thirds of the U.S. population.
FCA's quarterly sales were off by 51,657 vehicles compared with the year-earlier period.
FCA is sweetening deals during the crisis. The automaker on Wednesday said well-qualified buyers can get 0 percent financing for 84 months and no payments for 90 days on select 2019 and 2020 models.
FCA also said Wednesday that it has rolled out its Online Retail Experience, "a digital retailing solution that allows customers to complete the entire vehicle purchase process online from the comfort of their own homes." Consumers can carry out the trade-in process, apply for credit, receive price and payment estimates and review service protection plan options through the online experience.
Brands: First quarter: Jeep, down 14%; Ram, up 2.5%; Chrysler, down 4.6%; Dodge, down 20%; Fiat, down 49%; Alfa Romeo, down 14%
Notable nameplates: Jeep Wrangler, down 21%; Jeep Cherokee, down 32%; Chrysler Pacifica, up 5.4%; Dodge Durango, up 4.6%; Ram pickups, up 7.3%; Alfa Romeo Giulia, down 14%; Alfa Romeo Stelvio, down 13%
Average transaction price for Q1: $37,360, up 3.3% from a year earlier, according to ALG.
Average incentives for Q1: $4,714, up 2.3% from a year earlier, according to ALG.
Fleet mix: 31%
Quote: "Our dealers have once again stepped up as pillars of the community as they have continued to provide critical support to our customers on the road," Jeff Kommor, FCA's U.S. head of sales, said in a statement. "Many have taken extraordinary steps, ranging from enhanced sanitizing protocols for their showrooms to the offer of home delivery and other concierge services to keep consumers safe."
Did you know? Just three products had sales growth in the quarter: the Durango, Pacifica and the Ram pickup line.
