DaimlerChrysler rebound continues in U.S.

DETROIT (AP) -- The chief of DaimlerChrysler AG's Chrysler Group says the once-struggling American-based operation is poised to increase its share of the ultra-competitive U.S. auto market this year, but profits remain the priority.
Chrysler reported Thursday an operating profit of $269 million from its automotive business in the third quarter, up from $171 million a year ago. It marked the fifth consecutive quarterly profit for the division that lost $1 billion in the second quarter a year ago.
The key to the turnaround, analysts say, is a slew of new vehicles, led by the hot-selling, Hemi-powered Chrysler 300C.
For the first nine months of 2004, Chrysler was the only one of the Big Three automakers to grow its U.S. market share -- 13 percent vs. 12.8 percent a year ago.