Japan’s Carmakers Lead 22% Jump in U.S. Auto Sales

Automakers sold 1.3 million light vehicles in the U.S. last month compared with 1.1 million units in June 2011, according to Autodata Corp. That equates to an annualized sales rate of 14.1 million vehicles in June compared with 11.6 million units a year.

Toyota and Honda set a blistering sales pace in June, surging 60% to 177,800 units and 49% to 124,800 units, respectively. Nissan hiked volume 28% to 92,200 units. Japan's automakers have bounced back from the sales slump that followed the country's earthquake and tsunami in March 2011.

Overall, sales of Asian-brand vehicles jumped 34% to 565,300 units. Demand rose 8% to 63,800 units at Hyundai and 14% to 51,300 units at Kia.

Demand for domestic brands rose 13% to 596,800 vehicles last month. Sales grew 19% to 140,800 units at Chrysler, 16% to 248,800 units at General Motors and 7% to 207,200 units at Ford. European makes boosted volume 17% to 123,500 vehicles.

Demand for passenger cars continues to outpace that for light trucks. Car sales climbed 25% to 659,400 units in June as volume soared 43% for subcompacts and 32% for midsize cars. Light truck sales increased 19% to 626,200 units.