U.S. auto sales in July will be the strongest for the month since 2006, and rise 9 percent from last year, automotive industry consultants J.D. Power and LMC Automotive predicted on Thursday. For the fifth consecutive month, the seasonally adjusted annualized sales rate will top 16 million new vehicles, at 16.6 million, the consultancies said. LMC raised its full-year 2014 forecast for new auto sales to 16.3 million, from 16.2 million. U.S. auto sales were 15.6 million vehicles last year. Jeff Schuster, head of forecasting at LMC, said the auto industry recovery continued to outpace that of the larger U.S. economy. ... (full story)