New car sales jump 22 percent from last year

Here's encouraging news about the economy, thanks to car and truck sales. Slower hiring and other signs of an economic lull aren't discouraging Americans from buying new cars.

From mini cars to monster pickups, sales of new vehicles surged in June, posting a 22 percent increase from the same month last year.

For Chrysler, it was the best June in five years and Volkswagen is on track for its best year of U.S. sales since 1973.

Falling gas prices, cheaper loans and new models like the Ford Escape and Dodge Dart helped to attract buyers.

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economy, 7 on your side, michael finney

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