AUBURN HILLS, MI – Starting the year on an upswing, the Chrysler Group reported that its Five Star dealers set a new January record of 9,122 Certified Pre-Owned Vehicle (CPOV) sales in 2007, an 8-percent increase compared with January 2006 sales of 8,444 units.

Chrysler brand sales increased 7 percent to 2,939 units for the month. Jeep brand sales advanced 22 percent to 2,257 units and Dodge brand sales rose 2 percent to 3,926 units, versus prior year sales. Vehicles showing marked improvement in January 2007 include the Chrysler Crossfire (up 60 percent) the Jeep Wrangler (up 32 percent) and the Dodge Magnum (up 26 percent).

"The 125 benefits of purchasing a Chrysler Group CPOV continue to appeal to customers and have translated into sales growth in the used-vehicle segment," Peter Grady, director - DaimlerChrysler Motors Remarketing, said. "In addition, by recently expanding the scope of the Carfax Vehicle History Report to include recall information for all Chrysler Group vehicles, consumers are ensured to be up-to-date on the proper maintenance of their vehicles. This helps improve vehicle resale value, meet the manufacturer's safety and performance standards, and preserve peace of mind in everyday driving."

For a vehicle to be certified under the Chrysler Group's used-vehicle program, it must be a 2002 through 2007 model preowned vehicle with less than 65,000 miles and pass a 125-point inspection. The Chrysler Group's CPO vehicles are backed by an eight-year/80,000-mile powertrain limited warranty, 24-hour, 365-day full roadside assistance with a $35 per day rental car allowance and a three-month or 3,000-mile Maximum Care warranty, in addition to a Carfax Vehicle History Report and buyback guarantee.

Marketed as "Brand Spankin’ Used," the 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 validation of the dealership's facilities, operational processes, salesperson and technician training accreditation, as well as customer satisfaction survey ratings. Approximately 2,100 Chrysler Group dealerships in the United States are certified Five-Star dealers.