AUBURN HILLS, MI - Chrysler Group reported that its Five Star dealers sold 8,707 Certified Pre-Owned Vehicle (CPOV) units in July, a 2-percent decline from July 2005 sales. Year-to-date sales totaled 69,367 units, advancing 10 percent from year-to-date sales last year.

The Chrysler brand continues its sales stride in July with an 8-percent increase to 2,968 units and Jeep brand sales rose 13 percent to 2,109 units. Meanwhile, Dodge brand sales decreased 15 percent to 3,630 units, compared to sales a year ago.

"Due to tough economic conditions, Chrysler Group CPOV sales declined in line with the overall certified vehicle industry in July," said Peter Grady, director - DaimlerChrysler Motors Remarketing. "However the reliability provided by Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge CPOV products has allowed the Chrysler Group to gain market share in the certified segment year-over-year, and we look for that trend to continue."

For a vehicle to be certified under the Chrysler Group's used-vehicle program, it must be a 2001 through 2006 model pre-owned vehicle with less than 65,000 miles and pass a 125-point inspection. Chrysler Group's CPO vehicles are backed by an 8-year/80,000-mile powertrain limited warranty, a 3-month or 3,000-mile Maximum Care warranty, 24-hour, 365-day full roadside assistance, and a $35 per day rental car allowance, in addition to a CARFAX vehicle history report and buyback guarantee.

Marketed as "Brand Spankin' Used," Chrysler Group's CPO vehicles are sold only through Chrysler, Jeep, and Dodge dealerships that have earned the automaker's Five Star Certification. Five Star Certification is a comprehensive validation of the dealership's facilities, operational processes, salesperson and technician training accreditation, and customer satisfaction survey ratings. Approximately 2,400 Chrysler Group dealerships in the U.S. are certified Five Star dealers.