DETROIT — Automakers reported solid if unspectacular sales in September, as manufacturers with the freshest products drew the most attention from U.S. consumers.
Overall sales for September increased 28.5 percent from a year ago, when sales tumbled after the end of the cash-for- clunkers rebate program. Last month’s increase exceeded expectations and raised hopes that industry would continue its long, slow comeback from 2009, when sales hit the lowest levels in 25 years. Pickups and other light trucks outsold smaller and more fuel-efficient passenger cars for the first time since February 2009. Truck sales rose 41 percent; car sales were up 18 percent.
Ford once again posted strong results with a 46 percent increase. General Motors said that its sales climbed 11 percent. New York Times
