U.S. Auto Sales Jump 22%

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 and 13.8 million units in May. Analysts say pent-up demand, pre-holiday sales promotions and higher fleet sales bolstered volume last month.

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.

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 vehicles at Hyundai and 14% to 51,300 units at Kia.

European makes boosted volume 17% to 123,500 vehicles last month, led by gains of 34% to 38,200 units at Volkswagen and 26% to 12,700 units at Audi. Mercedes-Benz passenger vehicle sales advanced 8% to 22,200 units, the brand's best month ever in the U.S. BMW sales were flat at 21,700 vehicles.

Industrywide, 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, led by small SUVs (+26%) and crossover vehicles (+27%). Demand for fullsize pickup trucks rose a modest 10%.