Ford Motor Co. (NYSE: F) reported Tuesday that June sales rose 7 percent over the year before, driven by strong sales of trucks and SUVs.

Ford sales are up 7 percent for the year so far with 1.14 million vehicles sold in 2012, 207,759 of them in June. The bulk of June sales gains came from SUV sales. SUV sales rose 24.8 percent while truck sales gained 1.2 percent. Car sales growth was more modest at just 0.3 percent.

Sales of Ford's flagship F-series trucks rose 10.9 percent with 55,025 sold, the best June sales in five years, indicative of increasing demand for Ford trucks. Car sales were weaker, though, with both the Fiesta and Focus posting losses. However, Fusion sales gained 17.4 percent.

Ford's Lincoln brand actually posted a 2.5 percent gain with 7,544 units sold..

Ford shares rose 31 cents to $9.70 in early Tuesday trading.

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