April Auto Sales: DaimlerChrysler

Chrysler Group on Tuesday said April auto sales edged up slightly as stronger demand for trucks outweighed lower car sales.

The U.S. division of DaimlerChrysler AG (nyse: DCX - news - people ) reported a 1.6 percent increase in auto sales to 193,104 from 190,095 in April last year.

Car sales declined 20.1 percent to 46,665 from 58,411 on weaker sales of Chrysler and Dodge brand vehicles. Truck sales rose 11.2 percent to 146,439 from 131,684 a year ago.

Adjusted for two additional selling days in the 2006 period, April sales volumes fell 10.1 percent.

Year to date, Chrysler Group sales volumes have fallen 2.9 percent to 730,353 from 752,339 as lower car sales offset modestly higher sales of trucks. The 2007 and 2006 periods include the same number of selling days.

DaimlerChrysler shares gained 2 cents at $80.53 in afternoon trading on the New York Stock Exchange.