Chrysler Group LLC reported a 5 percent increase in sales for July compared to the same month last year. Sales for the year at Chrysler are up 2 percent, reported The Detroit News.

"We're gaining some real traction with the all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee, and we look forward to the same when we revamp the remaining 75 percent of our nameplates by year end," said Fred Diaz, president and chief executive officer for the Ram Truck brand and lead executive for U.S. sales.

Chrysler executives said they've seen sales increase for 13 vehicles in the company's four-brand lineup for this year.

Honda Motor Co. said July sales dropped 2 percent from the same month a year ago, when Cash for Clunkers buoyed demand for its economical vehicles.

"A year ago the Cash for Clunkers program began, and sales of fuel-efficient Honda vehicles picked up quickly at the end of the month," said John Mendel, executive vice president of sales for American Honda in a press release. "Although July sales declined versus last year, our sales increased compared to June 2010, which is a positive sign."

The automaker's sales are up 14 percent for the year.

Honda sold just over 48,000 Civics and Accords in July, down from nearly 60,000 Accords and Civics the previous July, as Cash for Clunkers began.

Toyota Motor Corp. reported a 3.2 percent drop in July sales, compared to the same month last year.

For the year, however, Toyota's sales remain strong, up more than 23 percent.

Toyota still sold more than 35,000 Toyota Camrys and more than 27,000 Toyota Corollas in July, the automaker said.

Nissan North America reported a 14.6 percent increase in July and continues its resurgence, with sales jumping 24.5 percent for the year.

"The Nissan Rogue continues to set new sales records with its best month since launch and has established us as a serious player in the small crossover market," said Al Castignetti, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division, in a news release. "In fact, all of Nissan's crossovers, trucks and SUVs showed substantial gains over last July."

Rogue sales climbed 61.9 percent in July. Nissan's luxury brand Infiniti also continues to enjoy success in the marketplace. Sales jumped 37.6 percent in July and are up 25.3 percent for the year.

Ford Motor Co. reported a 3.3 percent increase in sales for July compared to the same month last year.

The uptick was led by a surge in pickup sales -- up 39 percent from the same month last year. Ford sold more than 50,000 pickups in July -- the first month the automaker has sold more than 50,000 pickups since March 2008.

"Customers are rewarding Ford for providing the performance they want and the fuel economy they need," Ken Czubay, Ford vice president of U.S. marketing, sales and service, said in a news release.

Overall, Ford continues to have a strong year with sales up 24 percent.

Crosstown rival General Motors Co. reported a 6.4 percent jump in year-over-year sales for July.

More importantly, company executives say, GM's four core brands outsold the eight brands the automaker had last year at the same time. For the year, the core brands have seen a 31 percent increase in sales. This marks the 10th month in a row of sales increases for the four brands.

July also has been the best retail month for GM this year.

"We're optimistic but we're not letting up," said Don Johnson, GM's vice president of U.S. Sales Operations.