Fiat Chrysler, the No. 4 automaker in the United States, reported a 2.1pc rise in sales to 218,702 vehicles, as demand for both light- and heavy-duty pickup trucks remained strong.

"On a year-over-year basis we have increased our average transaction prices by more than $3,000 a vehicle and still managed some notable sales increases," FCA's U.S Head of Sales Reid Bigland said.

Japanese automaker Toyota sold 222,174 vehicles, recording a 3.2pc rise, boosted by strong demand for its Camry sedans.

US auto sales are expected to be about 16.9 million units in 2019, a 2.5pc fall from 2018, according to industry consultants J.D. Power and LMC Automotive.