Quarterly Profits Up For Major Auto Makers . . . Sales Slowing

07/15/96

Domestic automakers' profits grew a strong 12 percent to $4.5 billion in the second quarter of 1996. Like a flash reading on an engine dynomometer, however, the sales surge may be short lived, as new products are scheduled to be launched during the next two quarters. Chrysler is producing at flat-out peak capacity for its factories and expects second quarter earnings of $278 million. Ford, coming off a slow product launch period, should post earnings of $1.5 million. GM will be in the $2 billion range. Hot sellers are family sedans, sport utilities, minivans and pickup trucks.

Bill Maloney -- The Auto Channel