Autos: Fast Start

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The first sales figures for the auto industry's 1966 models came out last week, and they were impressive even by Detroit standards. In October's first ten days, Chrysler sold 40,043 new cars —almost 7,000 more than a year ago. New Buicks, Oldsmobiles and Cadillacs did not reach the showrooms until last week, but General Motors' earlier arrivals were setting a dizzy pace. Chevrolet sales were up 20% over last year, Pontiac's a staggering 66%. Ford's ten-day sales were nearly 30,000 ahead of last year, and even struggling American Motors almost matched its 1964 sales.

In all, the U.S.'s 33,280 dealers sold 243,982 new cars—better than a 16% improvement over a year ago. Along with these gains by Detroit, foreign cars are also selling well. Though still below the record 614,131 pace of 1959, they are sure to reach 550,000 this year, up from 484,131 last year. From all initial indications, autos once more will be leading the economy upward in 1966.