The Big Three automakers sold more than 10.4 million cars and trucks in 1993, shrinking Japan's market share and propping up the U.S. economy with their strongest sales in three years.
Boosted by new car lines, low monthly leasing options for buyers and higher-priced Japanese competition, Ford Motor Co., General Motors Corp. and Chrysler Corp. had their best performance since 1990, when they sold 10.7 million vehicles.The Ford Taurus sedan was the nation's best-selling car for the second straight year and the F-Series pickup was best-selling truck for the 17th year. Ford had five of the 10 best-selling vehicles.
Final auto sales figures won't be available until Wednesday, when some European makers release their numbers. But makers responsible for more than 90 percent of the industry reported 1993 totals on Tuesday.
Chrysler Corp. finished with 14.5 percent of the U.S. market - its best showing in 23 years. Its new-car lineup helped Chrysler sell about 2 million vehicles for the first time since 1989.