SUVs, pickups gave Chrysler a boost in September

DETROIT - Chrysler Group says its U.S. sales rose 19 percent in September thanks to strong demand for the new Jeep Cherokee SUV and the Ram pickup.

Cherokee sales rose to 14,639, surpassing the bigger Grand Cherokee and helping the Jeep brand increase sales by 47 percent over last September. The Cherokee went on sale last November.

Ram truck sales rose 30 percent to 36,612. Both Chrysler and GM raised incentives on pickup trucks in September, hoping to steal buyers from Ford as Ford dropped back on deals and temporarily closed a factory to retool for its new aluminum-clad F-150.

Fiat and Chrysler brand sales also rose. Dodge sales were down.

Chrysler sold 169,890 cars and trucks, its best September since 2005.