Automakers continue to release U.S. June sales figures on Wednesday, but so far Nissan (Tokyo Stock Exchange: 7201.T-JP) has led the way with a more than 13 percent increase in sales over last year as crossover SUVs remain the momentum theme in the industry.
Fiat Chrysler (NYSE: FCAM) U.S. June auto sales rose 8 percent from a year ago, boosted by the continued strength of its Jeep SUV brand, while Toyota (Tokyo Stock Exchange: 7203.T-JP) and Ford Motor's (NYSE: F) trailed behind-seeing U.S. auto sales jump 4 and 2 percent, respectively. Separately, GM's (NYSE: GM) June sales slipped 3 percent despite the best June on record for its Chevrolet crossovers.
It was the first time Chrysler has outsold Ford at the retail level, which doesn't include corporate fleets.
U.S. auto sales, often an early snapshot into consumer spending each month, are expected to rise about 5 percent for the industry. Truck and SUV sales will again grow at a faster pace than sedans, aided by moderately low gasoline prices.
Nissan benefited from the growth of its popular crossovers as well, with sales of the Nissan Murano and Rogue jumping nearly 75 percent and 55 percent, respectively, for the month of June.
Sales of Fiat Chrysler's (Milan Stock Exchange: FCA-IT) Jeep brand jumped 25 percent in June, led by a 39 percent surge in mid-sized Cherokee sales, the company said on Wednesday.
Read More Riding high: Auto sales set for big second half
Chrysler 200 sedan sales rose 153 percent to 18,560 vehicles. Private industry data reviewed by Reuters showed that in the first half of the year, a large portion of Chrysler 200 sedan sales were to rental agencies.
Sales of the Chrysler brand fell 28 percent, as Town & Country minivan production slowed as the plant where it is made is in transition to a new model.
Toyota handily topped estimates for the month by more than one percent thanks in part to rising momentum from luxury SUV sales.
Read More McLaren posts record sales, profit
"The demand for luxury utility vehicles continues to grow and has helped put Lexus and its dealers on a record sales pace for the year," said Jeff Bracken, Lexus group vice president and general manager. "The new NX compact crossover continues to be one of the hottest new models on the market."
It was a different story for General Motors whose sales fell 3 percent compared to an Edmunds estimate that predicted a fall of just 0.6 percent. GM gained in truck market share however, led by the success of Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra full-size pickups.