(MENAFN- AFP) Automakers reported strong US sales in July, boosted by sport utility vehicles, as the industry benefited again from lower gasoline prices and a steadily improving US economy.
General Motors, the biggest US automaker, said July sales surged six percent from a year ago to 272,512 vehicles behind a strong performance in pickup trucks, SUVs and some sedan lines.
"The second half of 2015 is off to a great start, with industry sales above expectations," said GM vice president for sales Kurt McNeil.
Ford notched 4.9 percent rise in sales to 222,731, a gain that included an 11 percent rise in Ford SUVs.
The sales figures from GM, Ford, Fiat Chrysler and Toyota were all higher than the increases projected by online car site Edmunds, which had given a bullish forecast on July after US automakers enjoyed a buoyant first half of 2015 thanks in part to lower gasoline prices.
"We anticipate that sales will be robust throughout the summer, commensurate with the confidence of the American car shopper," Edmunds said in a July 30 note.
Fiat Chrysler's July sales came in at 178,027 vehicles, up 6.2 percent from the year-ago period and about 2,100 above the level projected by online car site Edmunds.
FCA said several brands under the Jeep line scored strong sales, including its flagship Jeep Grand Cherokee, which notched a five percent rise.
FCA said sales were also strong for Chrysler 200, a midsized sedan. Sales in the Ram pickup truck line rose one percent.
The sales gain came as the Italian automaker was hit with a $90 million fine in July by the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration due to lapses in vehicle recalls.
In another high-profile problem, FCA in late July issued a safety recall for 1.4 million US cars and trucks after hackers demonstrated that they could remotely control their systems while they are in operation.
Toyota reported sales of 217,181 vehicles, up 0.6 percent from a year ago, as Camry was its best-selling car in July. Lexus luxury utility vehicles revved almost 28 percent higher and the Toyota Highlander gained more than 12 percent. Takoma and Tundra pickup sales were up nearly 17 percent.
"July auto sales showed no signs of slowdown for the industry," said Bill Fay, Toyota Division group vice president and general manager. "Led by Tacoma sales, the Toyota division light trucks posted a best-ever July."
Nissan sales rose 7.8 percent to 130,872 units, missing the Edmunds forecast of 132,388. The Nissan Rogue SUV remained a strong seller, with a 50.9 percent increase.
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.