Chrysler Boosts ‘97 Car Prices 1.9%

Chrysler Corp. is raising prices for its 1997 cars and light trucks an average of 1.9 percent, or $422, over comparably equipped 1996 models.

No. 1 General Motors Corp. announced last month that its price increases also would be relatively low at 1.7 percent. Ford Motor Co., the second-largest automaker, has yet to announce its 1997 prices.

“Once again, we’ve held our average price increase below the rate of inflation,” said James P. Holden, Chrysler vice president of sales and marketing.

Suggested retail prices announced Friday range from $10,395 for the subcompact Dodge and Plymouth Neon coupe, an increase of $505; to $33,790 for a four-wheel-drive Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited, a $734 hike for the luxury sport-utility vehicle.