New Jeep Grand Cherokee lifts Chrysler's sales over August; GM 6% drop

10/1/2010

DETROIT — Chrysler says its September sales showed a slight increase from last month, bucking an industry trend toward slower sales in the fall.

Chrysler has struggled with sales much of the year because of an aging model lineup. But the Grand Cherokee is the first of a string of new or updated models due out this year.

The automaker's sales rose one-half percent from August and 61 percent from September of last year, when sales were hurt by a drop in demand following Cash for Clunkers.

Chrysler says the new Jeep Grand Cherokee helped. The redesigned sport utility vehicle saw sales nearly double over September of last year.

General Motors reported a 6 percent sales drop from August.