Chrysler, the U.S. division of DaimlerChrysler, showed an operating profit of $1.38 billion in 2002, following a loss of $2.29 billion in 2001
-- this despite intense competition in North America and the need for generous sales incentives.
DaimlerChrysler AG said it recorded an adjusted operating profit of $6.1 billion in 2002 ($7.2 billion including one-time effects). Despite difficult market conditions worldwide, this result was four times higher than the $1.4 billion reported for 2001. All of the group's divisions and the successful implementation of the plans for increasing efficiency at Chrysler Group and Freightliner contributed to this increase.
Worldwide, Chrysler Group sold 2.82 million passenger cars, minivans, sport-utility vehicles and light trucks, compared to 2.76 million in 2001. The division reported revenues of $63.1 billion, 5% below the previous year's level of $66.6 billion due to currency-translation effects. Measured in U.S. dollars, revenues were at the same level as in the previous year.
The Commercial Vehicles division sold 485,400 trucks, buses and vans worldwide in 2002 compared to 492,900 in 2001.
The division generated revenues of $29.8 billion as against $30 billion in the previous year. As planned, operating profit adjusted for one-time effects of $185 million exceeded the previous year's figure of $53 million. Including one-time effects there was an operating loss of $360 (2001: operating loss of $539) million.
One-time charges arose at various business units in a total amount of $544 million, primarily as a result of structural changes, but also due to a special depreciation of production facilities in the context of the long-term product and production strategy.