(AP) — Chrysler says its U.S. sales rose 11 percent last month for its best July in seven years.

The strong performance is a sign that auto sales remain strong into the second half of the year.

Chrysler says it sold just over 140,000 cars and trucks last month.

The company says Ram pickup sales were up 31 percent over a year ago. Jeep Grand Cherokee sales rose 30 percent. It was the SUV’s best July since 2005.

All automakers report sales numbers Thursday. Most industry analysts expect July sales to rise around 15 percent from a year ago.

Chrysler is predicting that July sales will run at an annual rate of 15.8 million vehicles. That’s almost back to sales levels before the Great Recession.