DETROIT — Automakers posted higher U.S. sales last month, a sign that Americans are still willing to buy big-ticket items even though concerns linger about the economy and hiring.
After a sluggish June, sales rose slightly for General Motors Co. and Chrysler Group LLC. Foreign-based companies such as Toyota and Honda posted bigger gains. Ford, meanwhile, had flat sales.
Sales were boosted by easier credit and new versions of cars and trucks ranging from Jeeps to large family wagons. Summer promotions also helped.
“Consumers have been conditioned to think that the summer is a great time to pick up a deal on a new car,” senior analyst Jessica Caldwell said.
Car-loan approvals have risen for buyers. And GM announced last month that it will buy a company that specializes in loans to shoppers with poor credit.
Sales at General Motors Co. rose 2.6 percent over June, boosted by promotions to make room for 2011 models. Newly launched models also helped.
Ford Motor Co., which has enjoyed a strong 2010 so far, said its sales were flat from June. They rose 3 percent compared with July last year, lifted by stronger sales of its Ford-brand cars and trucks. Ford’s overall sales were weighed down by a drop in Mercury sales. Production of that brand stops at the end of this year.
Strong sales of Jeeps and Ram pickups lifted Chrysler results over June and 5 percent over July of 2009, a poor month because it had just exited bankruptcy protection. The new Jeep Grand Cherokee boosted sales 54 percent over last July.
