Chrysler’s Light-Vehicle Sales Fall 4% in June

Chrysler Corp. reported a 4% decline in its U.S. sales of light vehicles for June compared with a year ago, a smaller drop than analysts had expected. The No. 3 auto maker said it sold 219,756 vehicles in the month, compared with 228,828 for June 1996. Highland Park, Mich.-based Chrysler said the figures represent its third-best June in company history. Analysts had expected a decline of 10%. Chrysler’s passenger car sales fell 14% to 72,480 units. Light trucks, including pickups, minivans and sport-utility vehicles, rose 2% to 147,276. Chrysler was the first major auto maker to report June sales. Subaru of America Inc. of Cherry Hills, N.J., reported a June sales increase of 17% to 10,329 units. Detroit-based General Motors Corp. and Ford Motor Co. are scheduled to report their June sales today and Thursday, respectively. Chrysler shares fell 31.25 cents to close at $32.5625 on the New York Stock Exchange.