Nissan sold 98,000 of its cars and trucks in July, a 16 percent increase from the same time last year. Leading the way was the manufacturer's flagship Altima sedan, sales of which were up more than 24 percent from last July — thanks in part to the 2013 model hitting showrooms. The company's luxury Infiniti division also posted gains of 56 percent.

As for the headline-grabbing Leaf electric car, things weren't at all good. Sales continued their steady trend down versus 2011, dipping below 400 for the month. Year to date, they're off 26 percent versus last year's figures.