Ford, Fiat, Toyota Post Higher June Sales on Cross-Overs, SUVs

Some of the nation's biggest automakers reported higher U.S. sales in June as consumers continue to opt for SUVs and cross-over models. Nissan reported a 13.3 percent jump in sales, led by a 54 percent increase in sales of the Rogue crossover. Overall sales of Nissan crossovers, trucks and SUVs set a June record, climbing more than 30 percent. Fiat Chrysler (FCAU) reported an 8.2 percent rise in sales, on strength in its Jeep and Chrysler brands. Toyota (TM) said sales grew about 4 percent, boosted by light trucks and its Lexus brand, Honda (HMC) saw about a 4 percent rise as well, while Ford's (F) sales inched higher by about 2 percent. Ford said its SUV sales rose 10 percent, making its best June sales performance since 2002. General Motors (GM) reported a 3 percent dip in sales as the automaker cut back on sales to rental car companies by 45 percent. The automaker said the month marked its best June ever for Chevy crossovers. Overall, Edmunds.com predicts that automakers' total June sales will rise about 5 percent to roughly 1.5 million, the best June since 2006. TheStreet's Brittany Umar reports from Wall Street.