Trucks Carry GM Load in Hot Month for Autos

DETROIT —  Major auto makers reported on Friday that U.S. sales were vigorous in September, with no signs of fatigue from buyers enjoying a good economy and low prices.

General Motors Corp. said its sales were up 8.5%, to 424,184 vehicles, with a 30% gain in light-truck sales offsetting a 7% decline in passenger cars.

For only the second month in at least 20 years, GM sold more trucks than it did cars. The company has recently put more attention on its high-profit trucks, delaying some small-car development plans.

September was the best month for GM’s full-size trucks since March 1979, with strong sales of the company’s Suburban sport-utility vehicle and new Silverado pickups, the auto maker said.

Other companies reported increases in passenger cars, especially European and Asian makes. One analyst said imports appeared to be taking a larger share of the market.

DaimlerChrysler said sales at its Chrysler division were up 7%, with a 5% gain in cars and an 8.5% gain in trucks. The truck increase was powered by the company’s SUVs--the Dodge Durango and the Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Toyota said its sales were up 10%, setting a record for the month, with trucks up almost 21%. The Camry sedan was up 16%, while sales of the Lexus luxury SUVs were up 32%.

Nissan, Mitsubishi and Subaru also reported double-digit sales increases, with Mitsubishi up 36%.

European nameplates also did well in September. Volkswagen said its sales were up 52%. The New Beetle nearly doubled its sales, and the company’s Jetta and Passat cars did well, as did Audi.

The Mercedes-Benz side of DaimlerChrysler posted a 9% gain, all on the strength of its M-Class SUV.

Saab also announced a large increase in sales.

Ford Motor Co. will report its sales Monday. Volvo Cars, owned by Ford, reported a big boost in sales.