US auto sales strong in July on SUV, luxury demand - The Seattle Times
Summer deals and big demand for SUVs and luxury vehicles kept U. S. auto sales strong in July, according to reports released, Monday, Aug. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes) DETROIT (AP) — More Americans are buying cars that say “look at me. ”. Luxury vehicles like Audis and Volvos drove off dealer lots at a furious pace in July and, combined with sizzling demand for SUVs, helped the auto... July sales rose 5 percent to more than 1. 5 million, according to Autodata Corp. Sales of Nissan’s new Rogue SUV jumped 51 percent in July, while sales of GM’s Buick Encore jumped 68 percent. Sales of midsize sedans have been struggling as Americans pass them over for small SUVs, so automakers enticed buyers with zero-percent financing deals on the Toyota Camry, Ford Fusion, Nissan Altima and other sedans. Altima sales rose 27 percent and set a new July record. Luxury brands made up 11. 5 percent of vehicles purchased so far this year, up from 10. 2 percent three years ago, according to TrueCar. Audi saw its best July ever in the U. S. , with sales up 21 percent to more than 17,500 cars and SUVs. Lincoln’s sales jumped 21 percent. Source: www.seattletimes.com
