Auto’S Big Three Post Strong Numbers

General Motors Corp. rebounded sharply in September from two devastating summer strikes as improved dealer inventories and generous discounts lured buyers back into the automaker’s U.S. showrooms.

Ford Motor Co. also posted improved results Monday, with total sales up nearly 5 percent last month from a year ago on robust demand for its pickups and sport utility vehicles.

GM’s sales were down 3 percent. But that exceeded some analysts’ expectations and was a big improvement over GM’s double-digit declines of July and August.

Sales of GM’s light trucks - pickups, SUVs, vans and minivans - were down nearly 2 percent while car sales declined 3 percent. GM noted that the comparisons were to a strong performance in September 1997.

Chrysler Corp. reported last week that its sales increased 18 percent last month, compared with its weak showing in September 1997.