Car Sales in U.S. Climb 9%

Demand for passenger cars and light-duty trucks in America surged to 1.40 million units in June from 1.29 million a year earlier, according to Autodata Corp.

That volume equates to an annualized rate of 15.96 million vehicles, the strongest June in six years. The rate in June 2012 was 14.38 million units.

Sales of traditional American brands jumped 10% to 653,800 light vehicles. Demand rose 19% to 264,800 units at General Motors, 13% to 234,900 units at Ford and 8% to 152,600 units at Chrysler.

Americans continue their renewed love for light trucks in June. Deliveries of those vehicles climbed 11% to 695,800 units compared with 8% growth to 708,600 units for passenger cars.

European marques boosted their combined sales 7% to 131,800 vehicles last month. But that wasn't enough to keep pace with Asian and American makes, thus shrinking the combined U.S. market share of European brands to 9.4% from 9.6% in June 2012.

Market leader Volkswagen saw its volume shrink 3% to 37,000 vehicles. The decline was more than offset by increases at BMW (+25% to 27,100 units), Mercedes-Benz (+8% to 26,400) and Audi (+8% to 13,700).

U.S. sales by Asian-based companies climbed 10% to 618,800 units last month. Growth was led by Toyota (+10% to 195,200 units), Honda (+10% to 136,900) and Nissan (+13% to 104,100). Hyundai-Kia's volume was virtually flat at 115,500 units.