NEW YORK (CNN/Money) -
DaimlerChrysler reported improved U.S. sales in July, while General Motors Corp. and Ford Motor Co. rebounded from weak June sales to post their best sales months of the year, although both slipped from the year-earlier sales pace.
General Motors, the world's largest automaker, actually saw slightly improved sales of cars and light trucks, which includes pickups, sport/utility vehicles and vans. Total light vehicle sales came in at 454,963, compared with 454,613 a year earlier. But because GM compares results on daily sales pace, and it recorded on additional sales day this July compared to a year earlier, it showed a nearly 4 percent decline in sales in the period.
Still GM (GM: Research, Estimates) said it was pleased with results after June sales that had been described as disappointing.
"We had solid growth in both sales volume and share, led by record utility sales and increasing momentum of our launch vehicles, such as the Chevrolet Malibu," said a statement from John Smith, GM group vice president.
Ford (F: Research, Estimates), the nation's No. 2 automaker, sold 285,204 vehicles in the U.S. during the month, its best sales month in calendar 2004 but down about 4 percent from July 2003 levels. Sales of car models fell by 16 percent while sales of light trucks, including pickups, sport/utility vehicles and vans, gained by about 2 percent.
Volvo and Mercury were the only brands in the company to post year-over-year gains.
DaimlerChrysler (DCX: Research, Estimates) said Chrysler Group, its North American unit, saw sales rise 6 percent in the month from year-earlier results, to 189,619 vehicles. Its luxury Mercedes brand saw U.S. sales edge up 1 percent to 18,962.
Toyota Motor Corp. (TM: Research, Estimates) posted a nearly 14 percent gain in U.S. sales to 200,206 vehicles to post its best July here. Its Toyota brand nearly caught Chrysler Group sales, coming in at 175,083, up nearly 15 percent from year-earlier results. Its luxury Lexus brand sales were up 8 percent to 25,123 vehicles.
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