Ford, Chrysler, Toyota Auto Sales Up In June, GM Down

(RTTNews) - Most of the major automakers, except General Motors Co. (GM), Wednesday reported improved sales results for June, as strong sales of trucks and SUVs continued to help offset weak car sales.

Nonetheless, GM's June U.S. sales dropped 3 percent to 259,353 units from 267,461 units last year. The drop in GM sales were largely due to a 45 percent decline in rental deliveries, which are less profitable than retail sales.

GM's retail sales were up 7 percent, while commercial sales rose 4 percent in June from a year ago. GMC sales climbed 8 percent to 47,057, while Chevrolet, Buick, and Cadillac sales fell 3.9, 18.1 and 3.1 percent, respectively.

"We just wrapped up the U.S. auto industry's best six months in decade, driven by strong demand for pickups and crossovers," said Kurt McNeil, GM U.S. Vice President of Sales Operations.

Ford's June sales rose 1.6 percent to 225,647 vehicles from 222,064 last year. Dearborn, Michigan-based Ford's SUV sales rose 11.7 percent, while car sales dropped 4 percent from a year ago.

FCA US LLC, (FCAU), formerly known as Chrysler Group LLC, said its U.S. vehicle sales in June rose 8 percent to 185,035 units from 171,086 units last year.

"June represented another strong month for our company with sales up 8 percent and our 63rd-consecutive month of year-over-year sales increases," said Reid Bigland, Head of U.S. Sales. "Our all-new Jeep Renegade and Fiat 500X inventory started to arrive at dealerships in greater volume during June positioning us well for the summer-selling season."

June 2015 had an extra selling day compared to last year, which fueled automaker's sales.

Toyota Motor Corp.'s (TM) U.S. sales in June increased 4.1 percent to 209,912 units from 201,714 units a year ago. Strong sales of crossover SUVs RAV4, 4Runner and Highlander helped to offset Prius, Camry and Avalon.

"Light trucks have boosted the industry to its best first half since 2005," said Bill Fay, Toyota Division group vice president and general manager. "Toyota Division was the number one retail brand in June, led by strong Tacoma, RAV4 and Highlander sales."

GM shares are currently trading at $32.75, up $0.58 or 1.74% on the NYSE, while Ford shares are currently trading at $14.82, down $0.19 or 1.27%.

TM is currently trading at $133.20, down $0.55 or 0.41% on the NYSE, while FCAU is trading at $14.68, up $0.15 or 1.00%.