DaimlerChrysler Sees 12% Sales Rise for ’99

DaimlerChrysler said it rode strong demand for its passenger cars and light trucks, especially in North America, to a 12% rise in 1999 preliminary group sales. The auto maker, formed late last year with the fusion of Chrysler and Germany’s Daimler-Benz, said sales in its first full year rose to $149.4 billion, with Mercedes-Benz, Chrysler Group and Smart passenger cars all contributing. Total vehicle sales rose 6.6% to more than 4.8 million units from 4.5 million the previous year. The sales figures were in line with Wall Street’s expectations. Daimler also reiterated its forecast that 1999 operating profit would grow faster than sales. The company will release detailed financial statements for 1999 on Feb. 28.