DaimlerChrysler Sales Rise in ’98

DaimlerChrysler’s sales rose 13% in 1998 to $155 billion, according to an initial estimate, the auto maker said Thursday.

The increase compares with combined 1997 sales of $137 billion for Daimler-Benz and Chrysler Corp., which merged earlier this year.

A spokesman for the world’s fifth-largest auto maker said it would release its first-ever results for the merged company Sunday, and provide more detail on sales and give a broad assessment of the 1998 earnings trend.

Sunday’s statement will not contain precise profit figures. Detailed results are expected to be released in early January at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.