DaimlerChrysler, Toyota, Honda Report Sales

DaimlerChrysler reported a smaller-than-forecast increase in December U.S. sales for its American brands. Sales of Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Plymouth rose 0.7% in December from a year ago; analysts had expected a 3% increase. The rise was nevertheless enough to push the group to a new annual sales record of 2,638,561 vehicles. Toyota Motor Co. posted a 12% December drop in U.S. sales, its first monthly decline in almost two years, but for the year, Toyota hit a new annual record with sales up 8.4%. Toyota’s Camry sedan captured the best-selling car in America title for a third year, easily outpacing its nearest rival, Honda Motor Co.’s Accord. Toyota sold 448,162 Camrys; Honda sold 404,192 Accords. Honda sales were up 6.2% for the month and 6.7% for the year--both new records. DaimlerChrysler’s car sales were up 3.3%, but sales of its light trucks fell 0.2%, hurt by an 8% decline in minivan sales. As a result, the firm announced new incentives on its 2000 model minivans.