June Auto Sales Jump 22% in America

Carmakers 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 earlier.

European makes boosted volume 17% to 123,500 vehicles in June, paced by gains of 34% to 38,200 units at Volkswagen and 26% to 12,700 units at Audi.

Mercedes-Benz kept its lead in the luxury brand race last month with an 8% advance to 22,200 passenger vehicles, the brand's best month ever in the U.S. BMW sales were flat at 21,700 units. In the first half of this year, Mercedes hiked volume to 137,900 vehicles, thus outselling BMW by 11,400 units.

Demand for American brands rose 13% to 596,800 vehicles in June. 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.

Sales of Asian-brand vehicles jumped 34% to 565,300 units last month, led by Toyota (+60% to 177,800 units), Honda (+49% to 124,800 units) and Nissan (+28% to 92,200 units). Demand increased 8% to 63,800 units at Hyundai and 14% to 51,300 units at Kia.

Industrywide, U.S. 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 grew 19% to 626,200 units, led by small SUVs (+26%) and crossover vehicles (+27%).