US auto sales seen strong in June, a sign of solid 6 months ahead; Chrysler up 8 per cent

DETROIT – Sales from the major automakers are expected to show that confident U.S. buyers snapped up new cars and trucks at a strong pace in June.

Chrysler said Tuesday that its sales rose 8 per cent for its best June since 2007. Ram brand sales rose 23 per cent and Dodge sales were up 12 per cent on the strength of the Dodge Dart small car.

Other car companies report June results later in the day.

Analysts don’t see much that could slow the sales momentum of the first six months.

The things that juiced sales — low interest rates, wider credit availability, rising home construction and hot new vehicles — aren’t going away anytime soon. And so far, hiccups in the stock market, higher taxes and fluctuating gas prices haven’t dampened demand.