Ford and Chrysler reported strong sales in May on Monday as the US auto industry continues to pick up pace.
Ford delivered nearly 246,600 vehicles in May, 14 percent higher than a year earlier, with growth strongest in its pickup truck and sport utility vehicle (SUV) lines.
Pickups were up 30.6 percent from May 2012, with Ford crediting the surge in the construction industry, while Escape SUV sales gained 26.2 percent.
For the first five months of this year, Ford sold 1,026,833 vehicles, 13.9 percent more than the same period a year ago.
Chrysler, controlled by Italian giant Fiat, said sales of nearly 166,600 cars and trucks were up 11.0 percent from a year earlier, led by a 22 percent gain in Ram pickups and 21 percent rise in Grand Cherokee sales.
Chrysler sales for the first five months were 751,646, up 9.1 percent from a year earlier.
Ford, Chrysler report strong May sales
