Big Three automakers report mixed Canadian auto sales figures for July
TORONTO - The big three automakers reported mixed auto sales for July, with Chrysler registering the most sales in Canada, followed by Ford and General Motors.
Chrysler said Thursday it sold 26,209 cars and trucks last month, an eight percent jump from July 2012. The auto manufacturer said the figures represent the highest grossing July in the company's history, and 44th consecutive month of growth year-over-year.
``July was an exceptionally good month for retail sales throughout the product lineup, in fact it marked the highest July retail sales in our history,'' said Dave Buckingham, chief operating officer for Chrysler Canada in a release.
The company said it saw increases in sales for its Town & Country cars, Dodge Grand Caravan minivans, and Jeep Wrangler sport-utility-vehicles.
Meanwhile, Ford Motor Co. said it saw Canadian sales of 25,188 in July, down nine percent compared with the same period a year ago. Ford saw its total July car sales go up slightly to 6,796 from 6,618 year over year. But truck sales fell nearly 14 per cent to 18,392 from 21,322 last month compared with July 2012.
``As consumers look to save money on gas, we're seeing sales increases across our car lineup while we maintain our year-to-date sales leadership in trucks,'' said Dianne Craig, Ford's president and chief executive.
It said it saw increases in its Focus, Fusion and Lincoln MKZ models.
General Motors' sales for July were relatively flat, totalling 19,164 vehicles, down 0.2 percent from the amount sold a year ago.
Japanese automaker Honda reported July sales of 13,454; Kia sold 7,616, Nissan sold 7,436, while Volkswagen Canada sold 5,107.
