(July 2, 2014) Led by Chrysler, Nissan and Toyota, U.S. vehicle sales rose 1 percent in June compared to June 2013 as the auto industry ended the first half of the year on an upswing. Most experts expected June sales to be down slightly after a strong showing in May.

Strong demand for Jeep helped Chrysler to its 51st consecutive monthly sales gain, rising 9 percent over June 2013. Jeep brand climbed 28 percent and the Ram truck brand was up 14 percent. Other highlights included Dodge Durango, up 9 percent; and Chrysler minivans up 20 percent.

Toyota's combined sales — Toyota, Scion and Lexus — climbed 3 percent. “Sales in the first half of 2014 indicate a steadily recovering industry, and we expect this pace to increase as we move into the second part of the year,” Bill Fay, Toyota division group vice president and general manager, said in a statement previewing the company’s results. “In June, Camry and Corolla posted double-digit gains as passenger cars showed renewed strength industry-wide.”

Nissan reported a sales growth of 5 percent with the Nissan division gaining 6 percent. The Infiniti luxury brand declined 6 percent.

General Motors, plagued with millions of recalls, scored an unexpected 1 percent gain month over month. It was the fourth consecutive monthly gain for GM. Bright spots included GMC, which experienced 18 percent growth, and the truck segment, which rose 13 percent.

“June was the third very strong month in a row for GM, with every brand up on a selling-day adjusted basis,” Kurt McNeil, GM’s vice president for U.S. sales operations, said in a statement. “Our commercial and small business customers are expecting a strong second half of the year and they are building their fleets to meet demand.”

Ford's results were disappointing. Sales slipped 6 percent on a 6 percent decline at the Ford division and a 3 percent drop in Lincoln volume. The company's U.S. deliveries have now dropped four of the last six months. The Fusion was one of Ford's few successes with sales totaling 27,604, its best June performance ever and a 22 percent increase over June 2013. Although Lincoln sales decline in June, they are up 16 percent overall for the year.

Mazda reported its best June sales in 10 years with volume up 17 percent to 26,208 vehicles. The gains were driven by its core models, with CX-5 compact crossover sales growing 16 percent to 7,943 units, Mazda6 mid-sized sedan volume up 25 percent to 4,793 units and its top-selling Mazda3 compact up 17 percent to 8,824 units.

Subaru's sales streak continued last month with volume up 5 percent to 41,367 units — its best June ever. But it was the brand's smallest gain on a percentage basis since volume slipped 15 percent in Nov. 2011. 

After a weak start to the year because of severe winter weather, healthy economic fundamentals — notably low interest rates, a favorable credit environment and rising employment — have fueled the 4 percent gain in U.S. light-vehicle sales gains through June.

The U.S. auto industry remains on track to top the 16 million sales mark this year for the first time since 2007.

Sources: Manufacturer reports, press reports