Chrysler’s November Sales Rise 1.4%

Chrysler Corp.’s U.S. car and truck sales rose a combined 1.4% in November, in line with estimates, as strong demand for the Jeep Wrangler and Dodge Ram pickup truck countered lower sales across its car lines. The trend toward pickups, minivans and sport utility vehicles received an extra boost in November with the first winter snows. Chrysler sold 127,527 of those vehicles last month, up 7.3% from November 1995. All Chrysler car lines except the Sebring convertible reported lower sales. Despite rebates as high as $1,500 on new models, Chrysler’s car sales dropped 11% to 52,101. Through November, Chrysler truck sales are 18% ahead of the year-ago period. Car sales are up 5%. Highland Park, Mich.-based Chrysler’s shares lost 12.8 cents at $35.375 on the NYSE.