P.M. BRIEFING : Chrysler Reports Earnings Up 91%

Chrysler Corp. said today its first-quarter earnings rose 91% over the same period last year, when the corporation’s profits were dented by the closing of some parts plants.

The No. 3 U.S. auto maker said it earned $351 million, or $1.50 a share, during the first three months of this year, compared with $184 million, or 83 cents per share, in the same period last year.

Chrysler’s profits came on first-quarter 1989 revenues of $9.95 billion, up 16.3% from its first-quarter revenues last year.

Chrysler Chairman Lee A. Iacocca said the company’s share of the car market dipped during the first quarter. But it maintained a strong presence in the light truck market, especially in the minivan segment, where Chrysler makes about half of such vehicles sold in the United States.