Ford's US sales up 10 percent in July on strong SUV demand

Ford's U.S. sales jumped 10 percent in July on strong demand for its SUVs.

The company reported total July sales of 212,236, making it Ford's best July in eight years.

Sales of the Escape small SUV were up 19 percent to 26,558, while the Explorer mid-size SUV rose 32 percent to 16,797.

Ford's best-seller, the F-Series pickup, gained 5 percent to 63,240.

Cars didn't fare as well. Sales of the Ford Fiesta subcompact dropped 2 percent, while the Taurus sedan was down 12 percent.

Ford's Lincoln luxury brand was up 14 percent as its new small SUV, the MKC, arrived at dealerships.