DETROIT (AP) — Chrysler’s U.S. sales rose 11 percent last month for the automaker’s best July in seven years.

The Auburn Hills, Mich., automaker said it sold just over 140,000 cars and trucks last month, led by strong pickup truck and SUV sales. It was Chrysler’s best July since 2006.

Chrysler’s report kicks off a day of sales tallies from the major automakers. Most industry analysts expect July sales to rise around 15 percent from a year ago. A performance that strong will signal that the industry’s momentum can carry through the second half of the year.

Sales of the Ram full-size pickup rose 31 percent over a year ago, buoyed by an improving housing market that’s helping to drive purchases by small business. Jeep Grand Cherokee sales rose 30 percent, the SUV’s best July since 2005.

Chrysler had strong retail sales to individual buyers during the month, particularly in pickups and SUVs, said Reid Bigland, the company’s U.S. sales chief. It was Chrysler’s 40th straight month of yearover year sales growth.

Chrysler is predicting that industry sales in July will run at an annual rate of 15.8 million vehicles.

“We’re almost at a prerecession pace that looks like it may have the momentum that will carry it through the second half of the year and beyond,” said Alec Gutierrez, senior market analyst for Kelley Blue Book.

The consulting firm LMC Automotive said the secondhalf tail wind could push this year’s sales to around 16 million.

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