Chrysler says October car sales best in five years

DETROIT (REUTERS) - Chrysler Group said on Thursday that last month's car sales were the best in five years.

Chrysler, an affiliate of Italy's Fiat and the first of the major automakers to report, said last month's sales of 126,185 were up 10 per cent from 114,512 a year ago.

Chrysler said it was the 31st consecutive year-to-year increase in its monthly sales. Four of the company's five brands - Chrysler, Dodge, Ram Truck and Fiat - saw sales gains last month. Jeep sales fell 5 per cent.

US car sales are expected to show a rise of 11 per cent for last month, led by Toyota Motor and Honda Motor, which benefited from increased demand for compact cars, as petrol prices remained high across the country.