June proved to be . The Detroit Three carmakers all peg sales for the year running at a . That’s up from the 13.8 million rate in May.
Ford (NYSE:) reported that its sales rose to 207,759 vehicles, up 7% from the same time last year. The gain was led by its best-selling small SUV, the Escape. The company noted that most Escape sales were discounted older models, but 40% were new model vehicles.
General Motors (NYSE:) saw its sales rise 16% over last June, up to 248,750 vehicles, its best monthly performance since September 2008. Company officials said June was a good month for all of its brands, Cadillac, Buick, GMC and Chevrolet.
Chrysler, owned by Italy’s Fiat (PINK:), posted sales last month up 20% over 2011, hitting 144,811 vehicles, its best showing since 2007. Fiat also announced it was raising its stake in Chrysler to 61.8% from 58.5%.
June sales of Volkswagen
(PINK:) cars and SUVs rose 34.2% to 38,170 vehicles, marking the German carmaker’s best June performance since 1973. Toyota (NYSE:) posted a sales jumped of 60.3% to 177,795 vehicles as it continues to recover from last year’s supply disruptions. And Nissan (PINK:) posted a 28.2% increase over last year, selling 92,237 vehicles in the U.S. during the month.
More good news for carmakers: The average price for a vehicle sold in June rose 2.9% over last year to $30,508, an increase of 0.5% from May, the Los Angeles Times noted.
