U.S. automobile sales rose in October, despite the sales lost to Hurricane Sandy over the past week.
Chrysler Group said its U.S. sales rose 10 percent to 126,185 vehicles compared with the same period a year ago. October was Chrysler’s best monthly sales total since 2007.
General Motors Co. also reported its highest October sales since 2007, with deliveries up 5 percent to 195,764 vehicles. Passenger car sales grew the fastest of any GM auto segment.
“GM had a solid October in a month that was marked by a devastating national tragedy,” said Kurt McNeil, vice president, U.S. sales operations. “All of us at GM are deeply saddened by the loss of life and the extensive damage caused by the storms, but we’re really encouraged by the national and local response, which will speed the recovery.”
Ford Motor Co. saw its October sales rise less than 1 percent to 168,456. The automaker’s passenger car business grew faster, while sales of pickup trucks dipped slightly.
“Fuel economy continues to be king and a key driver,” said Ken Czubay, Ford’s sales chief. Hybrids were the fastest-turning vehicles on dealer lots last month, he said.
