The month of July proved to be another month of gains for the domestic brands. Chrysler Group LLC reported July 2011 was the best July the automaker has had since 2007. Both General Motors and Ford Motor Company also posted gains of a little less than 10% over last year. Toyota still continues to struggle reporting a decrease of 19.7% from the same period last year.

According to Edmunds.com’s AutoObserver, the Seasonally Adjusted Annual Rate (SAAR) for July came in at about 12.3 million units.

Below find updated detailed information released by automakers on their July 2011 sales numbers:

–UPDATED: General Motors reported its dealers in the United States reported 214,915 total sales in July, an 8% gain compared to July 2010.

Retail sales for GM’s brands rose 6% for the month compared to a year ago, and were 1% higher than June.

In July, total sales of the Chevrolet Cruze were above 20,000 for the fourth-straight month, delivering 24,648 units. The 32 miles-per-gallon highway-rated GMC Terrain and Chevrolet Equinox compact crossovers saw a combined retail sales increase of 73% during the month.

Total sales for GM’s full-size pickups – Chevrolet Silverado and Avalanche, and GMC Sierra, increased 2% from June, while retail sales – those to individuals – rose 5% compared to last month.

“Sales of our fuel-efficient cars like the Chevrolet Cruze and our crossovers remain strong, and we’re now also seeing the seasonal lift in full-size pickups that we expected,” said Don Johnson, vice president, U.S. Sales Operations.

The U.S. auto sector has faced several significant headwinds in the past several months. Nonetheless, the industry is poised to regain some of its lost momentum in the second half of the year, aided by higher supply and pent-up demand.

“There are people who put off vehicle purchases because of uncertainty about fuel prices, vehicle availability and the economy,” Johnson said. “As these conditions improve in the latter half of this year, many of these buyers will return to the market.”

GM’s 2011 U.S. industry forecast, originally announced in January, remains unchanged at 13 million to 13.5 million units, but the company expects total industry sales to end the year in the low end of this range, Johnson said.

GM Passenger Cars:                                  

Total sales of GM passenger cars increased 8% during July, compared to a year ago. Retail sales for cars rose 9% for the month on the continuing strength of the Cruze. The Cruze Eco, which delivers an estimated 42 miles-per-gallon highway, accounted for 19% of the model’s retail sales during the month.

The all-new Buick Regal continued to appeal to new consumers, more than doubling retail sales from a year ago. For the month, approximately 33% of Regal sales were turbo models. Chevrolet Camaro retail sales rose 7%, as demand for the all-new convertible model continued to rise.

Year to date through July, retail sales for GM’s passenger cars are up 37%.

Crossovers:

Total crossover sales increased 20% compared to last July, while retail sales climbed 17%. Retail sales of Equinox and Terrain were up 75% and 67% respectively, while retail sales for the GMC Acadia improved 33%.

Year to date through July, retail sales of GM’s crossovers increased 25%.

Full-Size Pickups:

Compared to June, combined sales of Silverado, Avalanche and Sierra sales increased 2%, and retail sales rose 5%. Silverado retail sales increased 7%, compared to June, while Sierra retail sales rose 2% compared to last month – the best month of the year for GMC’s full-size pickup.

Total sales of GM’s full-size pickups declined 3% versus a year ago.

“The increase in industry sales of full-size pickups is consistent with our forecast, as more truck buyers come back into the market,” Johnson said. “We expect continued modest growth in the segment for the remainder of the year, and are positioned to meet the increase in demand.”

For the year to date through July, total pickup sales of 306,439 units represent a 9% increase compared to the same period in 2010. For the year, retail sales for GM’s full-size pickups are up 9%. Through July, estimated retail market share for the Silverado, Avalanche and Sierra has grown more than 2.5 percentage points.

Fleet and Commercial:

Compared to last year, July fleet sales increased 13%, as the company posted its 16^th consecutive month of commercial sales gains.

Fleet deliveries accounted for 26% of GM’s total sales for the month.

Month-end dealer inventory in the United States stood at about 538,000 units, down about 67,000 units compared to June and about 115,000 units higher than July 2010.

Brand Key Facts:

Chevrolet: Chevrolet dealers delivered 149,005 total vehicles in July, a 6% increase over July 2010. Retail sales for Chevrolet were up 9%, for the eleventh straight month of retail sales increases for the brand. For Cruze, total sales surpassed 20,000 for the fourth month in a row at 24,648. Equinox retail sales rose 75 %. Year-to-date, Chevrolet total sales are up 14% and retail sales are 23 % higher than in 2010 (read more).

Buick: Buick reported 16,873 total sales, a four-tenths % increase compared to last year. This includes a 1-% increase in year-over-year retail sales, led by demand for the all-new Regal and Regal Turbo. July was the 22nd consecutive month of year-over-year total and retail sales gains for the brand. Year-to-date Buick total sales are 27 % higher than the first seven months of 2010, while retail sales have risen 28 % for the year (read more).

GMC: GMC reported its best month of 2011 with total sales of 37,918, a 36% increase compared to the same month last year. Retail sales were up 17% for the brand on strong demand for the Terrain (up 67%) and the Acadia (up 33%). Sierra retail sales rose 2% year over year and increased 2 % compared to June. July also marked the 22nd consecutive month of year-over-year total and retail sales increases for the brand. Through July, GMC total sales are up 25%, while retail sales have risen 23% (read more).

Cadillac: Cadillac reported total sales of 11,119 for July, a 26% decrease versus last July which included a significant reduction in sales to fleets. For the month, retail sales decreased 26%. For the year-to-date, Cadillac total sales are up 9% while retail sales have increased 17% (read more).

Fleet sales for GM’s four brands were 56,357 for the month, a 13% increase compared to last year’s July. Sales to commercial customers increased 5% – the 16th consecutive month of commercial fleet sales gains. Fleet accounted for 26% of GM total sales during the month.

–UPDATED: Chrysler Group LLC reported U.S. sales of 112,026, a 20% increase compared with sales in July 2010 (93,313 units), and the best July sales since 2007.

All Jeep® brand models contributed to the 20% July sales increase, including the iconic 2011 Jeep Wrangler, which set an all-time sales record, and the new 2011 Jeep Compass compact SUV with a 240 % sales increase, the largest year-over-year sales gain of any Chrysler Group model.

All five Jeep brand models posted a sales increase in July compared with the same month a year ago. All Jeep models currently in production have posted year-over-year sales gains every month this year.

Also contributing significantly to the July sales gain were the new 2012 Fiat 500 city car, the all-new 2011 Dodge Durango three-row sport utility, and the 2011 Chrysler 200 mid-size sedan, star of the Chrysler brand’s award-winning “Born of Fire” Super Bowl commercial.

“In a market that remains tougher than a cheap steak, we were able to produce our highest retail sales in more than three years,” said Reid Bigland, President and CEO – Dodge Brand and Head of U.S. Sales. “I think that statistic is the ultimate testament to the progress we have made with our product in the areas of fuel economy, quality and design.”

The Chrysler, Jeep, and Dodge brands each posted year-over-year sales gains in July, while the Fiat brand registered a 68% increase compared with the previous month of June 2011. Chrysler Group’s car sales increased 28% in July, while truck sales were up 18% compared with the same month a year ago.

Chrysler Group finished the month with a 72-day supply of inventory (308,880 units). U.S. industry sales figures for July are projected at an estimated 12.4 million SAAR.

July 2011 U.S. Sales Highlights by Brand:

• Jeep® Brand: The Jeep brand continues its strong performance this year by posting a 46% sales increase in July, the brand’s best sales volume month since March 2008 and its 15th-consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains. All five Jeep brand models posted a sales increase compared with the same month a year ago.The Jeep Wrangler was the best-selling Jeep model in July. Wrangler’s record sales volume of 14,355 units in July was second only to the Ram pickup truck. The new Jeep Compass, with its unsurpassed compact SUV 4×4 fuel economy (28 mpg), posted a 240% sales increase, the largest year-over-year percentage sales gain of any Chrysler Group model in July. Sales of the all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee were up 76% versus the same month in 2010. July marks the 11th-consecutive year-over-year sales gain by the award winning Grand Cherokee.

• Chrysler Brand: Chrysler brand sales increased 5% in July, driven by sales of the all-new Chrysler 300 full-size sedan and the new Chrysler 200 mid-size sedan. Sales of the Chrysler 200, star of the award-winning “Born of Fire” Super Bowl commercial, increased 111% in July compared with sales a year ago by the model’s previous generation. Sales of the Chrysler 300 were up 6% in July, compared to the same month a year ago. Chrysler brand car sales – combined sales of the Chrysler 200 and the Chrysler 300 – increased 66% in July compared with the same month in 2010.

• Dodge Brand: The Dodge brand posted a 9% sales increase in July compared with the same month in 2010.

• Ram Truck Brand: The Ram pickup truck is up 26% year to date compared to the same period in 2010.

July 2011 U.S. Sales Highlights:

• Jeep brand sales (38,691 units) increased 46 % compared with the same month last year (26,466 units)
• Jeep Wrangler sales (14,355 units) increased 43 % versus July 2010 (10,043 units), an all-time sales record
• Jeep Grand Cherokee sales (9,499 units) improved 76 % compared with July last year (5,407 units)
• Sales of the new 2011 Jeep Compass (4,430 units) were up 240 % versus July 2010 (1,302 units)
• Jeep Liberty sales (5,809 units) increased 19 % compared with July last year (4,893 units)
• Jeep Patriot (4,598 units) posted a 7 % year-over-year sales increase
• Dodge brand sales (33,653 units) were up 9 % in July versus the same month a year ago (30,916 units)
• Dodge Caliber sales (3,305 units) improved 14 % versus July 2010 (2,904 units)
• Sales of the new 2011 Chrysler 200 (6,509 units) were up 111 % compared with sales of the model’s previous generation (3,092 units) in July a year ago
• Sales of the 2011 Chrysler 300 (2,415 units) increased 6 % in July versus the same month a year ago
• Fiat 500 sales (3,038 units) were up 68 % versus sales during the previous month of June 2011
• Chrysler Group truck sales (84,266 units) improved 18 % compared with July 2010 (71,584 units)
• Chrysler Group car sales (27,760 units) were up 28 % versus July 2010 (21,729 units)

-UPDATED: Ford Motor Company reports July sales totaled 180,865, up 9% versus a year ago – driven by 13% higher Ford brand sales and 40% higher sales for Lincoln.

“We are encouraged to see the stronger pace of auto sales, along with continued customer demand for our fuel-efficient cars, utilities and trucks,” said Ken Czubay, Ford vice president, U.S. Marketing, Sales and Service.

• Ford Brand Cars: Up 8% Fiesta and Fusion posted higher sales than a year ago. Fiesta sales totaled 5,296, up 58%, and Fusion sales were 19,318 – a record for the month of July. Fusion has set a monthly sales record in each of the last 11 months. In the first seven months of 2011, Fusion was Ford’s top-selling car, with sales totaling 151,004, up 17% versus a year ago. Focus sales, constrained by low inventory, totaled 14,889, down 3%. Fiesta and Focus remain the fastest-turning vehicles on the Ford showroom floor. “Fiesta, Focus and Fusion have put Ford back in the car business,” Czubay said. Year-to-date, Ford brand car sales totaled 430,633, up 24%. The Fiesta and Focus recently were named to Kelley Blue Book’s 2011 Top 10 Coolest New Cars Under $18,000. Ford’s Los Angeles region ranks first among Ford’s 22 regions in Fiesta sales and has moved up to fourth place in Focus sales. Ford’s two new small cars also are playing a key role in market share gains in Ford’s Eastern and Western market areas

• Ford Brand Utilities: Up 43 % Ford’s best-selling utility is the Escape, which set an all-time monthly sales record of 24,411 models. Year-to-date, Escape sales totaled 147,018, up 29%. Explorer sales totaled 9,897, up 108% versus a year ago, and Edge set a July record with sales totaling 9,731 models, up 4%. “Customers value the fuel efficiency and technology in our new utilities” said Czubay, noting that more than 90% of Explorers and more than 80% of Edges are equipped with MyFord Touch, Ford’s industry-leading hands-free system that controls entertainment, information and vehicle systems. Through July, Ford was the best-selling brand of utility vehicles in America, with sales totaling 330,619, up 27%.

• Ford Brand Trucks: Up 1 % Ford truck sales were slightly higher than a year ago in July and higher than a year ago on a year-to-date basis. July truck sales totaled 67,473, up 1%. Year-to-date, Ford truck sales totaled 442,262, up 9%. F-Series, America’s best-selling truck for 34 years in a row, posted July sales of 49,104, down 3% versus a year ago. Sales of the F-150 with new V6 engines continued to outsell V8s in July as V6 engines accounted for 56% of F-150 retail sales. The 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine accounted for 40 % of F-150 sales, and the 3.7-liter V6 accounted for 16%. In July, F-Series 2011 sales crossed the 300,000 milestone, with 313,183 trucks sold. Sales of commercial vans were about equal to a year ago. Econoline sales were up 2%, and Transit Connect sales were down 1%. Ranger sales were up 23%.

• Lincoln Brand: Up 40 % Lincoln posted a 40% sales increase in July – paced by the brand’s newest products. In the first seven months of 2011, Lincoln sales totaled 49,817, up 1% versus the same period a year ago. The MKZ sedan is Lincoln’s top seller with July sales of 2,869, up 80%. Sales for the MKX crossover totaled 1,915, up 33%. Sales for the MKS sedan and Navigator SUV also were higher. “We are absolutely focused on making Lincoln a world-class luxury brand with compelling vehicles and an exceptional ownership experience to match,” said Czubay. “We also have a lot of Lincoln news coming up – with seven new or significantly refreshed models in the next three years.”

—UPDATED: Volkswagen of America, Inc. reported 29,066 units sold in July 2011, a 21.7% increase over prior year sales Year-to-date sales are up 22.2%.

Here are some highlights from VW’s July sales results:

• July sales total 29,066 units, a 21.7% increase over prior year sales
• Best July since 2002
• First Passat Dealer Experience Cars delivered
• 62 % increase in Jetta Sedan sales vs. last year
• Best Golf sales since July 2008
• High-mileage, clean diesel TDI models account for 24.1% of sales

“July was a strong month and signaled a good start for the second half of the year,” said Jonathan Browning, President and CEO, Volkswagen of America, Inc.  “For the seventh month in a row, we significantly outpaced the industry performance, showing strong baseline demand for our products.”

Volkswagen Jetta sales (including Sport Wagen) totaled 15,713 units, a 50.9% increase over last year.  Sport utility vehicles Touareg and Tiguan experienced 119.3% and 19.5% sales increases, respectively.  Eos sales increased 39.9% over prior year, while Golf sales (total) increased 14.6% versus last year. Volkswagen’s high-mileage, clean diesel TDI models accounted for 24.1% of all July sales.

“With our strongest-ever line of Volkswagen products, we are pleased to see more signs the enthusiasm for our vehicles continues to grow,” said Browning. “With the all-new Passat and Beetle due in dealer show rooms this fall, we are confident the momentum will continue.”

–UPDATED: Kia Motors Amercia reported that after completing an historic first half of 2011 with record sales and market share gains, the company recorded its best-ever July sales of 45,504 vehicles.  Led by the U.S.-built(1) Sorento CUV, which posted its all-time best monthly sales of 13,262 units, KMA’s July sales were up an impressive 28.5% over the same period last year and also included strong performances from the Soul, Optima and Forte.  KMA has achieved new monthly sales records for 11 consecutive months.

“More and more consumers are discovering Kia Motors every day as our diverse lineup of stylish and fun-to-drive cars and CUVs attract customers looking for a compelling combination of world-class design, outstanding quality, fuel efficiency, state-of-the-art technology and tremendous value,” said Byung Mo Ahn, group president and CEO of KMA and Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia (KMMG).  “With the long-term success of our two best-selling products – Sorento and Soul – the overwhelmingly positive response the new Optima has received and the arrival of the all-new Rio models later this year, Kia is well-positioned for continued sales and market share growth in the second half of 2011 and beyond.”

Design-Led Transformation Fuels Sales and Market Share Growth: Kia Motors has undergone a dramatic, design-led transformation, which has been delivering dynamically styled vehicles in several important segments at exactly the right time, contributing to the brand’s continued gains in U.S. market share.  Kia is poised to continue its momentum and brand growth through design innovation, quality, value, safety features and new technology.  Kia’s commitment to the U.S. market is represented by its U.S.-based manufacturing facilities in West Point, Georgia – KMMG – which will add the critically-acclaimed Optima midsize sedan to its production line in the near future.  Kia’s model year 2012 vehicle line includes the Sorento CUV, Sportage compact CUV, Optima midsize sedan, Soul urban passenger vehicle, Forte compact sedan, Forte 5-door compact hatchback, Forte Koup two-door coupe, all-new Rio and Rio5 sub-compacts and Sedona minivan.

–UPDATED Subaru of America, Inc. announced July 2011 sales of 21,730 and 153,779 year-to-date, a 2.5% year-to-date increase.

“Consumer demand for our products remains at a high level and we look forward to increasing our inventory levels in the coming months to match this high demand,” said Thomas J. Doll, executive vice president and chief operating officer, Subaru of America, Inc.

“Our dealers are working hard to maximize their stock and even though supply is light, consumers should still check availability at their dealership for the model of their choice,” said Bill Cyphers, senior vice president, sales, Subaru of America, Inc.

–UPDATED: Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc. reported July sales of 130,802 units, a decrease of 19.7% from the same period last year on a daily selling rate (DSR) basis. On a raw volume basis, unadjusted for 26 selling days in July 2011 compared to 27 selling days in July 2010, TMS sales were down 22.7% from the year-ago month. Compared to June 2011, sales
increased 17.9% on both a DSR and raw volume basis.

Toyota Division recorded July sales of 116,263 vehicles, a decrease of 19.8% from the year-ago month on a DSR basis. On a raw volume basis, Toyota Division sales were down 22.8% compared to July 2010. Lexus Division reported July sales of 14,539 units, a decrease of 18.8% from last year on a DSR basis. Volume-wise, Lexus Division sales were down 21.8 % from the year-ago month.

Toyota Division: Toyota Division passenger cars recorded sales of 60,088 units, a decrease of 28.3% from last July. The Camry and Camry Hybrid led passenger cars with combined monthly sales of 27,016 units. Corolla recorded sales of 17,577 units, and the Prius mid-size gas-electric hybrid reported sales of 7,907 units. The Avalon sedan posted sales of 2,698 units, which is flat compared to July 2010.

Toyota Division light trucks posted sales of 56,175 units in July, down 8.3% from the same period last year. Light truck sales were led by the Sienna minivan, which reported sales of 10,620 units, up 6.2% compared to July 2010. The RAV4 compact SUV recorded monthly sales of 8,814 units, and the Highlander and Highlander Hybrid posted combined sales of 9,552 units, an increase of 27% over the yearago month. The Venza mid-size crossover reported sales of 4,711 units, up 21.6% over last year. The Tundra full-size pickup recorded sales of 7,762 units, and the Tacoma mid-size pickup posted sales of 8,929 units for the month.

“For the second straight month, Toyota posted a month-to-month sales gain as inventories continued to recover,” said Jeff Bracken, vice president of Toyota Division sales. “With the launch of four all-new models in the second half, including the 2012 Camry, and a production outlook that continues to improve, we’re optimistic our strong momentum will continue.”

Scion posted July sales of 3,499 units, down 21.9% from July 2010. The tC sports coupe led the way with July sales of 1,590 units, an increase of 27.6% compared to last year. The xB urban utility vehicle posted sales of 1,194 units, and the xD reported sales of 715 units for the month.

Lexus Division: Lexus Division reported passenger car sales of 7,974 units, a decrease of 7.7% from the year-ago month. The ES 350 entry luxury sedan led passenger cars with sales of 2,850 units, while the IS lineup reported combined sales of 2,305 units. The all-new CT 200h premium hybrid compact posted 1,553 units in its fifth month of sales. Lexus Division light trucks recorded sales of 6,565 units, down 29.2% from July 2010. Light trucks were led by the RX luxury utility vehicle, which reported combined July sales of 5,471 units, and the GX 460 mid-sized luxury utility vehicle posted sales of 830 units.

TMS Hybrids: TMS posted July sales of 11,047 hybrid vehicles, a decrease of 34.5% compared to the same period last year. Toyota Division posted sales of 8,485 hybrids, while Lexus Division reported sales of 2,562 hybrids for the month, an increase of 71.5 % over July 2010.

–UPDATED: American Honda Motor Co., Inc., posted July sales of 80,502 vehicles, a decrease of 25.6%, based on the daily selling rate. American Honda year-to-date sales reached 687,944, down 2.6% versus last year.

Honda Division posted July sales of 71,100, a drop of 25.7% versus July 2010. The Accord was the top-selling Honda model for July with sales of 18,308, a decrease of 25.1% compared to last year. The all-new Civic, which continues to be produced at reduced levels, posted sales of 14,006, down 37.4%. The Pilot SUV posted sales of 9,954, an increase of 8% versus last year.

“We look forward to improved inventory levels in the coming months as most of our North American facilities begin to return to full production in August,” said John Mendel, American Honda executive vice president of sales. “On top of that good news, customers will have two significantly updated Honda products to choose from this month with the refreshed 2012 Pilot and Fit hitting dealer lots soon.”

Acura Division recorded July sales of 9,402, a decrease of 25% versus July 2010, and year-to-date sales of 70,082, down 5.5%. The MDX was the top-selling Acura model for the month with sales of 3,438 down 14.9%.

–UPDATED: Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA) reported July U.S. sales of 84,601 units versus 82,337 units a year earlier, an increase of 2.7 %. Nissan Division sales increased 6.4% for the month at 77,191 units. Sales of Infiniti vehicles decreased 24.1 % from the prior year, to 7,410 units.

NISSAN HIGHLIGHTS

• Nissan vehicles posted July sales of 77,191 units, an increase of 6.4% over the 72,573 units sold in July 2010.
• Nissan Rogue set a new July record, at 11,260 units, which is a 2.7% increase over the prior year.
• Nissan delivered 678 units of the all-new NV commercial vehicles, an increase of 53.6% over the prior month.
• The Nissan Juke experienced strong July sales of 3,221 units, making for a total of 20,685 units year to date.
• Deliveries of the Nissan Frontier increased 21.8% over July 2010, to 4,832 units.

INFINITI HIGHLIGHTS

• Infiniti sales totaled 7,410 units for the month of July, a decrease of 25.9% versus 9,764 a year earlier.
• Calendar year-to-date Infiniti sales of 54,678 are down 4.2% compared to the 57,064 units sold during the same period last year.
• Sales of every Infiniti model increased over last month, supporting an 18 % increase overall, as full production resumed after the earthquake in Japan, and more than 10,000 new vehicles became available for consumer delivery.

–UPDATED Hyundai Motor America announced sales of 59,561 vehicles in July, a 10% increase compared with the same period a year ago.  This represents an all-time sales record for both the month of July and the first seven months of the year for Hyundai, breaking the marks set last year.   This also marks the seventh consecutive month that Hyundai has set an all-time monthly sales record.

Year to date, Hyundai sales are up 23% versus 2010 in total, and up 36% at retail.  Sales to fleet accounts represent nine percent of the total sales year-to-date and 10% for the month of July.  Thirty-eight percent of Hyundai vehicles sold in July achieved 40 MPG fuel economy ratings.

“Consumer demand continues to be robust across the board for Hyundai, particularly with our imposing sedan line-up of Accent, Elantra, and Sonata Hybrid all delivering on our 40 MPG promise,” said Dave Zuchowski, Hyundai Motor America’s executive vice president of national sales.  “Accent sales are up an astounding 75% in the first full month of deliveries and our new sub-compact is expected to become the top selling nameplate at retail in its segment for July.”

Genesis’ sustained growth trajectory continued with July representing the 25th consecutive month of year-over-year sales increases with a lift of 53% over last July.  Equus, our premium luxury sedan, is up 37% versus June and set an all-time sales record.  The U.S.-built Sonata and Santa Fe also saw increases of 17 and 15%, respectively.

–UPDATED: Audi of America reported record July U.S. sales of 9,146 luxury vehicles, topping the previous record of 7,974 vehicles sold in July 2001. July 2011 also marked the seventh consecutive month of record-setting sales for the brand in the U.S. market.

Year to date, Audi sales in the U.S. grew 15.6% to 65,055 luxury vehicles sold from January 2011 through July 2011.

The favorable Audi performance in July was led by significant consumer demand for the all-new 2012 A6 with 1,014 vehicles sold, a 64% increase over July 2010. The all-new A6 features Audi’s industry-leading navigation and safety technology, including MMI® Navigation plus with Google Earth, Audi connect with wireless internet access and Night Vision Assistant with thermal imaging.

Sales of the design-forward 2012 Audi A7, introduced this spring, remained strong with 709 vehicles sold in July, showing that premium car buyers are responding to the stylish, technologically advanced model.

Sales of the popular Audi Q7 full-size luxury sport-utility vehicle increased 31% YOY to 790 vehicles sold, when compared to July 2010. The Audi Q7 TDI clean diesel model accounted for 36% of the sales mix in the lineup. Demand remained strong for the fuel efficient Audi A3, with 436 vehicles sold in July 2011. As consumers continued to show preferences for efficiency, the Audi A3 TDI clean diesel model accounted for 54% of the total A3 sales mix for the month.

Sales of the Audi R8 supercar series climbed 57.7% with 82 vehicles sold in July. Year-to-date, R8 sales rose 128.1% with 682 vehicles sold in 2011. Sales of the sporty Audi TT model increased 7.2% from a year earlier with 178 vehicles sold in July, while TT sales year-to-date increased 15.2% to 1,221 vehicles sold.

The western and the southern regions were the strongest gainers, with year-to-date sales in the south jumping 14% to 15,591 and in the west 11% to 16,460 vehicles sold.

For the record-setting month of July 2011, Audi recorded year-over-year sales increases with seven of its models: the Audi A3, the Audi A5, the Audi A6, the Audi A8, the Audi Q7, the Audi R8 and the Audi TT.

“As demand for the Audi brand in the U.S. continues to climb, it is clear that Audi is setting the standard for luxury vehicles,” said Johan de Nysschen, President, Audi of America. “We are pleased to see consumers continue to reward Audi for its industry-leading technology, excellent craftsmanship and superior performance.”

Audi sales highlights – July 2011
• New company record set in July with 9,146 vehicles sold, topping the previous record of 7,974 vehicles sold in July 2001.
• Audi sales in the U.S. grew 15.6% to 65,055 luxury vehicles sold from January 2011 through July 2011.
• Seven models within Audi lineup post YOY gains.
• Sales mix of the most premium models in the lineup (Audi A8, A7, A6, Q7) jumped to 32%, versus 18% in the same period last year.

Audi A6, A7 and A8 July sales and news notes
• Strong initial sales for the all-new 2012 A6 with 1,014 vehicles sold.
• 2012 Audi A7 sustains momentum with 709 vehicles sold.
• Audi A8 sales increase 275% YOY to 450 vehicles sold; YTD A8 sales up 597.7% to 3,300 vehicles sold.

Audi A3 and Audi Q7 July sales and news notes
• Audi Q7 sales in July up 31.2% YOY and up 39.7% YTD, compared to 2010.
• TDI clean diesel technology represented 54% of total A3 sales for July and 36% of total Q7 sales for July.

Audi R8 and TT July sales and news notes
• Audi R8 posted strong sales gains with an increase of 57.7% YOY to 82 vehicles sold in July; R8 sales up 128% YTD with 682 vehicles sold in 2011 through July.
• Audi TT sales increased 7.2% from the same period last year to 178 vehicles sold in July 2011.

Audi Certified Pre-Owned sales and news notes
• July CPO sales set fifth consecutive monthly record with 3,506 vehicles sold.
• Audi CPO sales up around 26.8% versus 2010, the previous best July on record.
• A4 models continue to make up the majority of the sales volume.

–UPDATED Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (PCNA), importer and distributor of Porsche sports cars, Cayenne SUVs and the Panamera four-door sports sedan line-up in the United States, today announced July 2011 sales of 2,768 units, an increase of 2% compared to the same period last year, when it sold 2,703 units.

So far in 2011, the company has sold 18,310 units. In the same seven-month period last year, Porsche sales were 13,687, which represents a 34% increase.

For the month of July 2011, Porsche’s Approved Certified Pre-Owned vehicle sales were 779, compared to 573 last year. The year-to-date total was 5,137, compared to 4,369 last year.

–UPDATED: Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) reported July sales of 21,065 vehicles, a 16.7% improvement over July 2010, and the company’s highest July volume since 2006.  On a year-to-date basis, the 139,086 vehicles sold represent an 11.3% increase.

The highest volume performers for the month were the E- and C-Class model lines.  The 9th generation E-Class led the pack with sales of 5,114 and the sporty C-Class – the gateway to the Mercedes-Benz brand for younger and first-time Mercedes-Benz buyers – followed with sales of 4,554.  MBUSA’s stylish SUV, the M-Class, finished third in volume with monthly sales of 2,778 up 40.8% over last July.  Additionally, sales of the all-new SLK roadster were up 1,758.3% and the all-new 2012 CLS-Class posted a 657% increase over July 2010.  Sales of the full-sized GL-Class SUV were up 60.2% for the month as well.

Sales of Mercedes-Benz diesel models were up 134.1% for the month (913 versus 390) and up 120.3 % for the year (6,866 versus 3,117).

At the high end, sales of the S-Class were up 13.9% for the month and the company sold 49 of its supercar — the SLS AMG — bringing its year-to-date sales to 397.

Sales of Sprinter Vans also increased by 154.3% for July with sales of 1,732 – bringing a year-to-date total of 8,827 (up 122.1 %).

Sales of the smart fortwo totaled 327 vehicles for the month.

Separately, through the Mercedes-Benz Certified Pre-Owned (MBCPO) program, MBUSA sold 5,895 vehicles in July 2011, a decrease of 14.7%.  On a year-to-date basis, MBCPO sold 45,750 vehicles, a decrease of 5.1 % over the comparable period last year.

–UPDATED: The BMW Group in the U.S. (BMW and MINI combined) reported July sales of 26,120 vehicles, an increase of 11.7% from the 23,390 vehicles sold in the same month a year ago.

Year-to-date, BMW Group sales are up 17% to 169,641 in the first seven months of 2011 compared to 144,975 in the same period in 2010.

“Despite the recent economic news, our BMW Group sales in July continue their good momentum,” said Jim O’Donnell, President and CEO, BMW of North America. “Particularly gratifying is the fact that the new 5 Series continues to attract current and new customers, our X3, X5 and X6 vehicles are doing great business and overall MINI sales continue their excellent growth this year.”

BMW Brand Sales: Sales of BMW brand vehicles increased 12.3% in July for a total of 21,409 compared to 19,064 vehicles sold in July, 2010. Year-to-date, the BMW brand is up 12.9% on sales of 135,114 January through July compared to 119,696 sold in the first seven months of 2010. In July, best performing vehicles included the new X3 SAV – now on sale in the U.S. for six full months – up 294.8% to 2,207 units; the 5 Series, up 58.5% to 4,318 units and the Z4 Roadster, up 92.4% to 454 units.  The BMW SAV segment (X3, X5, X6) continues to show growth with sales up 55.9% from the previous July.

BMW Pre-Owned Vehicles: In July, sales of BMW used vehicles (including certified pre-owned and pre-owned) totaled 13,449, a decrease of 10.8% from the 15,072 sold in July 2010.  Year-to-date, BMW used vehicle sales are down 6% on volume of 92,960 compared to 98,795 in the first seven months of 2010.

MINI Brand Sales: MINI USA reported sales of 4,711 automobiles in July.  The July 2011 sales are an increase of 8.9% over the 4,326 sold in July, 2010. Year-to-date, MINI sales in the U.S. are up 36.6% on volume of 34,527 compared to 25,279 in the first seven months of 2010.

–UPDATED: Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) reported July sales of 20,783 vehicles, up slightly at 0.2% versus July of 2010.  Sales through the first half of the year are up 4.9 % versus last year with 143,162 vehicles sold.

Key July sales notes:

• The Mazda CX-7 crossover celebrated its best July since 2007 with 3,152 sales, up 18.9% versus last July.  Year-to-date sales for the CX-7 are up 20.6%.
• Year-to-date sales are also up 12.9% for the Mazda CX-9 crossover.
• The best-selling Mazda3 reported its best monthly sales since April of this year with 9,288 vehicles sold, down 4.3% versus last July.
• The Mazda5 multi-activity vehicle‘s year-to-date sales are up 22.2%, with monthly sales down 9.8%.

–UPDATED: Mitsubishi Motors North America (MMNA) reported July 2011 sales of 7,972 units, an increase of 41.1% compared to the same month in 2010.

The increase continues a sales surge that, for the first seven months of 2011, makes Mitsubishi the fastest growing automaker in the United States.

“We are particularly pleased with the performance of the Outlander Sport small CUV,” said MMNA President & CEO Yoichi Yokozawa.  “July was the biggest sales month ever for Outlander Sport, so consumers continue to be drawn to its fuel-efficiency and performance.”  MMNA sold 1,571 Outlander Sports in July, more than 12 % higher than the vehicle’s previous high sales month (April 2011).

This marks MMNA’s highest July sales total since 2008 and the eleventh consecutive month that the company has achieved a year-over-year sales increase.  Year-to date sales are up 62.1%.

“There’s a lot for our dealers and our customers to be excited about for the rest of the summer,” Yokozawa said.  “For example, we’re in the middle of our ‘Own Every Road’ Sales Event that ties into our groundbreaking ‘World’s Most Dangerous Road’ Outlander Family Campaign.”

Eclipse sales increased more than 95% in July, and are up more than 78% year to date.  The iconic sports car is nearing the end of a long production run as the final car comes off the assembly line in Normal, Illinois, this month and will be auctioned off for charity in September.

Stay tuned here for updates and detailed information as it is released by automakers throughout the day today.