DETROIT (AP) -- Chrysler says its U.S. sales rose 26 percent last year as its turnaround gained traction.
Chrysler is among the first carmakers to report sales Wednesday. The company ended the year with a 37 percent increase in December sales on strong demand for the Jeep Wrangler and Chrysler 200 sedan.
Chrysler says it sold 1.37 million vehicles last year, about 284,000 more than in 2010. It has introduced 16 new or revamped models in the past two years.
Analysts expect December to be a strong sales month. Americans felt more confident about the economy. Analysts expect sales of new cars and trucks to reach around 12.7 million, up from 11.5 million in 2010.
Chrysler nearly ran out of cash in 2009 and needed government help to survive. It is majority owned by Italy's Fiat.