October Auto Sales: Daimler Sales Rise

Daimler's US Sales Volumes Climb 9.4 Percent In October As Economy Stabilizes

(AP)  NEW YORK (AP) - Daimler AG said its U.S. sales last month increased 9.4 percent, led by a jump in Mercedes Benz volumes, as a more stable economic environment fueled increased purchases of the German company's vehicles.

BY THE NUMBERS: Sales rose to 18,854 from 17,232 in October 2008, while year-to-date volumes fell nearly 22 percent to 166,688.

THE DIVISIONS: U.S. dealers sold 21 percent more Mercedes Benz models in October than in the year-earlier period, offsetting a decline of 70 percent in sales of the company's smartfortwo cars.

TOP SELLER: The 9th generation E-Class, launched in late June, recorded sales of 6,071 for October, up 189 percent from October 2008.