August was a good month for U.S. automakers compared to a year ago. In total, the big three sold more than 585,700 vehicles last month.
- Chrysler says it's sales rose 14 percent,
- Ford says sales were up 13 percent,
- and GM says sales were up 10 percent.
Chrysler had its best month since August 2007, according to the AP, and had sales of more than 148,000 vehicles. They say their sales were led by demand for the Dodge Ram pickup truck.
Ford sold 197,249 vehicles in August, and in a press release said high gas prices led more people to their lineup of vehicles.
“As fuel prices rose again during August, we saw growing numbers of people gravitate toward our fuel-efficient vehicles – cars, utilities and trucks,” said Ken Czubay, Ford vice president, U.S. Marketing, Sales and Service.
And General Motors sold 240,520 vehicles in August. More than Ford or Chrysler.
In their press release, GM said it's ready for gradual improvements in the economy.
“The single message Chevrolet communicated this summer was ‘confidence’ and it rang true with customers when they saw how our product lineup is being transformed,” said Kurt McNeil, vice president of U.S. sales operations. “All four of our brands are building momentum behind new products so we’re very well positioned as the economy continues to slowly improve.”
