Chrysler US sales plunge 29 percent in July

0 Comments | AFP, August, 2008

WASHINGTON (AFP) — Chrysler LLC on Friday reported a 29-percent decline in US sales in July from a year ago to 98,109 units as consumers shied away from gasoline-guzzling light trucks and sport utility vehicles.

"We are writing a new chapter in the auto industry story as customers, dealers and companies adjust to a changing environment," said Jim Press, president and vice chairman of the number three US auto manufacturer.

Chrysler, which has seen its sales of its profitable trucks and SUVs skid on soaring motor fuel prices, said its incentives to buyers to guarantee gasoline at a price of 2.99 dollars a gallon (3.78 liters), below the current market price of around four dollars, had helped boost sales.

Its fuel-efficient SUV, the Jeep Patriot, continued to...