Big 3 Auto Makers’ July Sales Rise Over Last Year

Sales of the Big Three auto makers’ cars and light trucks rose 8.9% in early July compared with last year when incentives had been rolled back and sales fell from a torrid June rate, the companies said today.

General Motors Corp., Ford Motor Co. and Chrysler Corp. said they sold vehicles at an average daily rate of 33,504 during the July 1-10 period this year compared with a rate of 30,766 during the same time last year.

Car sales were up 10.3% and truck sales were 6.8% higher.

The sales rate during June last year was particularly strong, even for what proved to be the second-best sales year in auto history. This year, incentives are available, but they are not catching as many consumers’ eyes.