AUTOS

Trucks Lead Rise in Vehicle Sales: Demand for vans, pickups and sport-utility vehicles helped drive total June vehicle sales up 7.3%, major auto makers reported. Light-truck sales were up nearly 11% for the month and 15% for the first half. Ford truck sales rose 10% over June, 1993, and are up 15% for the year. Chrysler’s June truck sales were up 11.3%, and year-to-date deliveries rose nearly 18%. General Motors did not report sales figures because of a companywide two-week summer shutdown, but estimates put GM light-truck sales for June about 5% ahead of last year and up more than 12% for the year. Car sales overall for June were up about 5%, with Japanese firms reporting strong performances.