GM, Chrysler Sales Are Flat in November

DETROIT — General Motors Corp. and the Chrysler division of DaimlerChrysler reported flat U.S. sales for November, while many foreign auto makers turned in a stronger performance.

GM, the world’s largest auto maker, said its total sales of cars and light trucks were up slightly last month, rising to 345,355 units from 331,272 in November 1998. The percentage change, based on daily sales, was 0.08%; there were 25 selling days this November, one more than a year ago.

Chrysler’s sales were down 2.6% at a daily rate, even though the company’s total volume for November was up slightly.

GM sold more pickups, sport-utility vehicles and minivans last month than it did cars. Truck sales were up 7%, led by pickups and SUVs. Car sales were down 6%, with Oldsmobile sales sliding 23% and Cadillac car sales off 15%.

Paul Ballew, GM’s director of industry analysis, said the company had cut car sales to corporate fleets in favor of more profitable retail sales.

Chrysler said its car sales rose 3%, while its truck sales declined 5%. Dodge cars carrying rebates of more than $1,000--the Neon, Stratus and Intrepid--drove the car sales boost, while declines in sales of Dodge Ram and Dakota pickups held truck totals down.

Toyota Motor Co. said sales of its Toyota and Lexus vehicles were up 11%. Hot sales of its trucks, SUVs and the Sienna minivan, along with strong sales of the Toyota Avalon sedan, offset a drop in sales of the mid-size Camry sedan.

Honda Motor Co. said its U.S. sales were up 2%. A 6% decline in car sales was offset by a 56% jump in truck sales, led by the Odyssey minivan.

Nissan said its November sales were up 15%, while Mitsubishi reported its sales more than doubled over last year.

Volkswagen reported sales up 64%, thanks to its Jetta sedan and Passat sedan and wagon. Mercedes-Benz saw its sales jump 18%.

Ford Motor Co. will report its November sales results today.