Chrysler's Hot Streak Continues with Best June in Five Years

Chrysler Group LLC reported a 20% year-over-year jump in U.S. sales, while Fiat SpA (IW 1000/81) said it will up its stake in the automaker by another 3.3%

Chrysler reported U.S. sales of 144,811 vehicles, the group's best June sales numbers since 2007.

The June numbers closed a strong second quarter for the automaker, with Q2 sales up 24% compared with first-quarter 2011.

Among the highlights, the Fiat 500 posted a 122% year-over-year sales increase in June, from 1,803 units in June 2011 to 4,004 in June 2012. Through June, sales of the Fiat 500 are up 319% year-over-year.

Five other Chrysler Group models also posted record sales, according to the automaker: the Jeep Wrangler, the Dodge Avenger midsize sedan, the Dodge Challenger muscle car, the Dodge Journey crossover and the Chrysler 200 midsize sedan.  

Year-over-year sales of Chrysler-brand vehicles were up 63% in June.

"June also marked our 27th-consecutive month of year-over-year sales growth," said Reid Bigland, president and CEO- Dodge brand, and head of U.S. sales. "Continuous improvement remains a key focus at Chrysler, as we have steadily increased sales, improved quality, added production and created jobs."

Meanwhile, Fiat on Tuesday said it will up its ownership stake in Chrysler to 61.8%.