Chrysler US sales surge 17 pct in Nov

With demand for pickup trucks and Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) gaining momentum, Chrysler Group LLC on Wednesday reported that its US auto sales surged 17 percent in November against the sales recorded in the corresponding period a year ago.

The company sold 74,152 vehicles in November as against 63,560 units sold during the same period a year ago.

We are pleased with the sales momentum that has been building this year, and elated now that we are showing off the vehicles that we've been talking about, said Fred Diaz, President and Chief Executive Officer - Ram Truck Brand and Lead Executive for U.S. Sales.

Sales of Ram trucks rose 67 percent, while sales of Jeep brand vehicles rose 58 percent. Sales of Ram heavy-duty trucks, in particular, more than doubled, while Ram pickup truck sales grew 88 percent, the carmaker said.

The carmaker will launch eleven new or significantly-refreshed Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram Truck and Fiat vehicles to be launched during the fourth quarter, the statement said.