A 27% jump sales jump by Chrysler Group LLC led September U.S. auto sales that rose a total of 9% in September, Bloomberg reported.
September light-vehicle deliveries rose to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 13.1 million, according to Autodata Corp., and bested economists’ median estimate of a 12.8 million rate, Bloomberg said.
That’s the highest rate since April’s 13.2 million, when lost output caused by Japan’s tsunami began crimping supply of parts and cars.
Chrysler’s sales rose to 127,334 cars and light trucks, including a 45% jump in sales of its Ram pickup truck, Bloomberg said.
General Motors Co.’s deliveries rose 20% to 207,145, while Ford’s sales increased 9% to 174,860, the companies said in separate statements.
Sales of Ford’s F-Series trucks rose 15%, as pickups and SUVs accounted for 72% of Ford’s sales — up from 66% a year earlier.
Japanese carmakers Toyota Motor Corp. and Honda Motor Co., and Korean sister companies Hyundai Motor Co. and Kia Motors Corp. all reported sales that fell short of estimates.
Nissan Motor Co., whose better supply of parts has buoyed inventory levels above its Japan-based rivals, reported a 25% gain for September, Bloomberg reported.
