Chrysler reports best July sales since 2006

The Auburn Hills-based automaker Thursday reported U.S. sales of 140,102 cars and trucks, an 11 percent increase compared with sales in July 2012, and the group's best July sales since 2006. The sales also mark the 40th-consecutive month of sales growth for Chrysler.

AUBURN HILLS, MI- Chrysler Group LLC is “over the hill” regarding its monthly sales gains.

The Auburn Hills-based automaker Thursday reported U.S. sales of 140,102 cars and trucks, an 11 percent increase compared with sales in July 2012, and the group’s best July sales since 2006. The sales also mark the 40th-consecutive month of sales growth for Chrysler.

“We continue to see strong retail sales, particularly with our pickup trucks and SUVs, and that has helped to propel Chrysler Group to our 40th-consecutive month of year-over-year sales growth,” said Reid Bigland, head of U.S. sales, in a statement. “In addition, the all-new Fiat 500L is off to a great start with 962 units sold in its first full month on sale.”

Chrysler Group LLC today reported U.S. sales of 140,102 units, an 11 percent increase compared with sales in July 2012 (126,089 units), and the group’s best July sales since 2006.AP Photo

As it has for months, the Ram Truck brand led the way for Chrysler, with a 31 percent increase in July, followed by Dodge, up 18 percent. Jeep, Chrysler and Fiat brands remained primarily flat last month compared to July 2012.

Through July, Chrysler's U.S. vehicle sales are up 9 percent from last year to more than 1 million cars and trucks sold.

Chrysler is the first of the Detroit Three to report its July sales. General Motors Co.,Ford Motor Co. and non-domestic automakers are scheduled to release their results later today.

Overall, July U.S. auto sales are expected to increase about 15 percent compared to last year to more than 1.3 million vehicles sold.

Top five Chrysler models by units sold in July (2013 sales):

1. Ram pickup- 31,314 (201,633)

2. Jeep Grand Cherokee- 15,019 (95,815)

3. Jeep Wrangler- 14,404 (92,132)

4. Dodge Grand Caravan- 8,583 (68,055)

5 Chrysler 200- 8,122 (83,137)

Top five Chrysler models by year-over-year sales in July (monthly units sold):

1. Dodge Durango- 88% (5,135)

2. Ram Cargo Van- 38% (764)

3. Ram pickup- 31% (31,314)

4. Jeep Grand Cherokee- 30% (15,019)

5. Jeep Patriot- 29% (7,572)

Check back to MLive for more information on July auto sales.