TORONTO — Ford Canada's sales edged higher in July, as strong car sales were hurt by a decline in the number of trucks purchased compared to the same month last year.

Ford said Wednesday its overall sales inched up by two per cent to 27,203 last month, bumping the automaker to its best July since 1979. Overall sales were boosted by a 46 per cent increase in the number of cars sold, but this was offset by a nine per cent decline in truck sales.

"Last year, Ford sales were up 47 per cent in July versus an industry decline of seven per cent. Posting a gain after last year's increase is good, but given the comparisons, a 31-year July sales record is impressive," stated David Mondragon, president and CEO of Ford Canada.

Ford attributed its sales increase to strong consumer interest in sedans like the Fusion, Focus and Taurus.

Meanwhile, Honda Canada said its sales fell 11 per cent in July compared to the same month last year.

The Japanese automaker said it sold 11,615 units from its Honda and Acura divisions combined during the month.

Sales of Honda-branded vehicles were down 10 per cent at 10,184, while sales of the luxury Acura brand fell 13 per cent to 1,431 units.

South Korean automaker Hyundai reported late Tuesday that its Canadian sales rose 9.7 per cent to 11,503 units.

Other automakers are expected to report their sales numbers later in the day.

In the United States, every major automaker except for Ford and Daimler said their July sales topped those in June. The biggest monthly sales gains were posted by Nissan, Toyota, Volkswagen, Subaru and Kia.

U.S. sales were 5.1 per cent higher than in July of 2009, a year where sales fell to a 30-year low.