Tiriac Holdings auto unit, which includes brands such as Chrysler, Ford, Hyundai, Jeep, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi and Smart, saw turnover up 17% (some $9m) in the first half this year. The auto unit posted 200m euros in turnover last year, according to the company’s estimates. For this year, the advertising budget worth 3m euros should boost sales to 7,500 vehicles. “The profit rate maintained around 4% in the first half this year, close to last year’s level,” Marius Pitigoi, general manager of Tiriac Holdings auto unit, said. According to Pitigoi, car sales accounted for 55% of the auto unit’s turnover, while post-sale services accounted for 45%. ZF