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Alexkid

August US auto sales better than expected
The Associated Press




03:51:52PM (DST) Thursday,September 1,2011.

DETROIT (AP) — General Motors, Chrysler, Ford and Nissan reported surprisingly strong U.S. sales in August, as buyers shrugged off bad economic news and a major East Coast hurricane.

Chrysler led the way Thursday with a 31 percent increase from a year earlier, while GM's sales rose 18 percent, Nissan was up 19 percent and Ford reported an 11 percent increase.

Industry analysts had expected a weaker August because of consumers' anxiety about the economy and Hurricane Irene, which forced many dealers to close during the key final weekend of the month.

But Don Johnson, GM's U.S. sales chief, said other factors are making cars more attractive to buyers, including new products, low interest rates and stronger household budgets.

"Consumers are being cautious, yes, and appropriately so, but they are not retrenching," he said. "All indications to us are that the industry is going to continue to slowly grow through the rest of the year."

Chrysler reported its strongest August since 2007 with sales led by Jeeps and minivans, while Ford said sales of its redesigned Explorer sport utility vehicle quadrupled over last year. Nissan reported strong sales of subcompact and midsize cars such as the new four-door Versa and Altima sedan.

GM's big increase was sparked by the Chevrolet Cruze compact, which accounted for one in every 10 GM vehicles sold. The Cruze, introduced last year, has been a top seller for the company since the start of the year, giving the company its first strong product in a growing market. Cruze sales topped 20,000 for the fifth straight month. Buyers also went for the Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain small crossovers.

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Today's cars are looking fine...

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