P.M. BRIEFING : Incentives Boost Big Three Car Sales for First 10 Days in June

Sales of North American-made cars by the nation’s Big Three auto makers rose 0.3% in early June compared to sales last year, when fewer incentives were offered, the companies said today.

Sales of light trucks went up 1.3% during the period.

Vehicles made by General Motors Corp., Ford Motor Co. and Chrysler Corp. sold at an average daily rate of 33,223 during the June 1-10 period this year, compared to a rate of 33,010 during the same time last year.

Auto makers extended incentive programs during the period this year. Last year, the companies had trimmed the enticements during the corresponding period.

Since Jan. 1, car and truck sales by the Big Three were running 4.9% behind last year’s pace. The average daily rate this year stood at 35,173 vehicles, compared to 36,992 during the same time last year.