Chrysler’s U.S. Sales Up 3.2% in July

Chrysler Corp.’s U.S. sales of cars and trucks rose 3.2% in July, less than expected, as lower demand for cars offset improved sales of trucks and minivans. Truck sales rose 8.6% to 146,503 vehicles, while car sales fell 8.2% to 59,915. The third-largest U.S. auto maker fell short of analyst estimates of a 5% increase. Chrysler is enjoying sales gains by an updated lineup of key truck models, such as the Dodge Durango sport-utility vehicle and Ram four-door pickup. Chrysler also has $1,500 discounts to spur demand for minivans. Through June, Chrysler’s U.S. sales rose 8.4% from the year-earlier sales. Chrysler is the first of the Detroit-based auto makers to report July results, and it’s seen as having the biggest gains. General Motors Corp. is expected to report Wednesday that its July sales fell about 40% as an eight-week strike cut availability of cars. Ford Motor Co. is expected to post little-changed sales today. Chrysler shares fell $2.63 to close at $56.88 on the New York Stock Exchange.