RICHMOND HILL, Ontario — In a Canadian new-vehicle market that improved more than 6 percent from the weak year-ago figures, several automakers posted their best July sales ever and some continued double-digit streaks of year-over-year growth.

Overall, there were 148,756 new models sold in Canada during July, according to the latest Market Snapshot from DesRosiers Automotive Consultants.

This represents a 6.3-percent upswing from last year. Through seven months of 2010, there have been 935,158 new vehicles sold in Canada, which is 8.6-percent stronger than last year's pace.

The Big 3 reached sales of 73,355 units in July for an 18-percent gain, while imports' sales softened 3 percent to 75,401 units sold.

Hyundai — which saw sales of 11,503 units last month for a 9.7-percent year-over-year increase and a new July record — has enjoyed a long streak of gains. Its sales have improved on a year-over-year basis for 18 straight months.

And each of those months has set a record for that particular month. The company hit an all-time sales high for any month in May, which broke the record set just a month prior.

"In order to sustain a year-and-a-half of monthly sales gains, companies simply must offer great products," pointed out Steve Kelleher, president and chief executive officer of Hyundai Auto Canada Corp. "To that effect, more and more people are putting Hyundai vehicles on their shopping lists as we launch all-new vehicles such as the Sonata and Tucson. The quality, style and value proposition of Hyundai products are clearly resonating with Canadians."

Subaru was also among the brands that enjoyed a best-ever July, as it sold 2,336 vehicles. This was 28.1-percent ahead of last year's pace.

"Subaru has a unique and compelling product offering," stated Shiro Ohta, president and CEO of Subaru Canada.

"Our lineup of symmetrical full-time All-Wheel Drive vehicles continues to be favored by existing Subaru consumers, but we are especially pleased to welcome new customers into the family as we successfully build awareness for our brand," Ohta added.

Continuing on, Mercedes-Benz Canada also said it had its strongest July on record. The company moved 2,102 Mercedes-Benz passenger cars and light trucks, 120 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter units and 180 smart vehicles.

"From the versatile B-Class to our fuel efficient range of BlueTEC clean diesel models and the myriad of vehicle options in the high-end and performance categories, our strong sales results reflect the fact that our diverse product portfolio remains extremely competitive and very well-positioned in every segment," commented Marcus Breitschwerdt, president and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Canada.

"Our formula for sustained sales growth is not limited to our fascinating vehicle range. The catalyst to our continued growth is the commitment of all our employees and dealers across Canada, and they are all commended for their hard work and ongoing efforts to ensure that our brands are synonymous with an unmatched ownership experience in the automotive industry," he added.

Kia Canada also posted its best-selling July ever, and extended its year-over-year sales hike to 19 months. It sold 5,652 vehicles for a 10.6-percent gain.

"Kia Canada continues to outpace the industry through 2010 by providing Canadians world-class, design-led quality vehicles for the young-at-heart," noted Maria Soklis, vice president and chief operating officer for Kia Canada.

"Fuel-efficient, compact vehicles that exude value are top of mind for Canadians and now the redesigned 2011 Sportage is available at retailers across the country. Our company is clearly on the move," she continued.

Chrysler Canada, meanwhile, had its best July in 13 years. It moved 22,319 new vehicles, compared to 15,958 from a year ago.

"These numbers really speak for themselves," noted Reid Bigland, president and CEO of Chrysler Canada. "In June our sales were up in excess of 100 percent and now this is our best July in over a decade. 

"When you couple these sales numbers with corporate operating profits in the first and second quarters of this year, I don't think there is any doubt that our restructuring efforts last year and alliance with Fiat are paying early dividends," he added.