DETROIT (AP) -- Chrysler and Nissan both posted double-digit U.S. sales gains last month, signs of strong August for the industry.<br />
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Chrysler's sales leaped 20 percent as the Jeep brand led the automaker to its best August in a dozen years. Nissan reported nearly a 12 percent increase.<br />
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The numbers are a sign of a strong month for the industry as dealers sell off 2014 models to make room for new ones. They also demonstrate the accelerating shift of American buyers from cars to higher-sitting crossover SUVs.<br />
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Many analysts are predicting flat sales for the month compared with a year ago. But sales in August of 2013 were strong, too. All automakers report U.S. sales figures on Wednesday, and there are signs that the industry could beat analyst expectations.
