Clunkers boosts Ford auto sales in August; Chrysler sales fall

DETROIT -- Ford Motor said Tuesday its U.S. sales in August rose 17.2% over last year, fueled by the government's cash for clunkers program.

Meanwhile, low supplies of fuel-efficient vehicles at Chrysler Group kept the automaker from taking full advantage of the program. Sales at the company fell 15%, according to a person familiar with the matter.

The person declined to be named because Chrysler's official sales figures had not yet been announced.

Other automakers are expected to release U.S. sales figures later today. Combined, the results are likely to mark the first year-over-year monthly sales gain since October 2007 thanks to the clunkers program.

Consumers are expected to steer clear of dealers this autumn. Still, August sales results could prop up the industry.

Two of Ford's vehicles— the Focus and Escape — were among the top selling cars under the clunkers program which was in effect for most of the month. Overall, sales of the Focus rose 56%. Sales of the Escape crossover vehicle rose 49%.

At Chrysler, sales fell to 93,222 units from 110,235. They rose 5% from July of 2009.

The clunkers program lowered supplies of Chrysler's fuel-efficient vehicles like the Dodge Caliber, the Chrysler Sebring and the Jeep Patriot. Going into August, five of Chrysler's most efficient vehicles were already at low inventory levels.

Chrysler is also boosting production by 50,000 vehicles through the end of the year to make up for the shortfalls, according to the person familiar with the matter.

Dan Strumpf reported from New York.