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By Bloomberg

Ford Motor Co., Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV and Nissan Motor Co. reported U.S. sales that exceeded analysts' estimates as buyers emboldened by falling gasoline prices flocked to sport-utility vehicles. General Motors Co. also had strong SUV sales while missing of estimates.

Fiat Chrysler, led by the Jeep brand's 52 percent gain, said vehicle sales climbed 22 percent for a 55th straight monthly increase. The average estimate was for a 20 percent gain. Sales for GM, the largest U.S. automaker, rose 0.2 percent, less than analysts' forecast of a 3.1 percent gain. Ford's light-vehicle sales fell 1.8 percent, better than analysts' estimate of a 4.3 percent decline. Ford's SUV sales rose 10.3 percent, while its car and truck sales declined.

Sales of SUVs, including crossovers, have been increasing as fuel prices have fallen this year. The average price for a gallon of gasoline in the U.S. fell to $2.98 as of Nov. 2, according to AAA, the motoring club. Total light-vehicle deliveries are expected to rise 5.6 percent from year earlier to 1.28 million, based on projections compiled by Bloomberg.

"The U.S. economy has steadily improved all year," Kurt McNeil, GM's U.S. sales chief, said in a statement. "Now we are poised for a stronger expansion backed by an improved job market, higher consumer confidence and lower fuel prices."

GM's Buick brand had its best October since 2007 as its Encore small SUV posted a 33 percent gain. Sales of the Detroit- based automaker's Cadillac Escalade rose 30 percent and the Chevrolet Tahoe large SUV was up 6.1 percent last month.

SUV Story

"Utility vehicles, especially small and mid-size, are the story once again, as consumers are buying more and willing to pay more for these models," Alec Gutierrez, an analyst for Kelley Blue Book, said in an e-mailed statement. "With gas prices at a three-year low and with consumer confidence at a seven-year high, this trend should continue."

Nissan, including its Infiniti luxury brand, rose 13 percent last month, helped by demand for the Rogue crossover and Versa subcompact. That topped estimates for an 11 percent increase. Deliveries for the Nissan brand climbed 15 percent to 94,072 units, a 13th consecutive monthly record for the Yokohama, Japan-based company.

Chrysler brand sales rose 17 percent to 27,546, led by a 40 percent jump in deliveries of the new 200 sedan. Jeep sales soared to 55,198, led by the Cherokee, Grand Cherokee and Wrangler. Ram pickup sales jumped 33 percent to 39,834.

Fleet Shift

GM said its overall sales were held back by the discontinuation of the Chevy Captive Sport model, which had been sold exclusively to fleet customers, and a decision to deploy more large SUVs to dealer lots rather than sell them to rental companies and other fleet customers. Fleet sales, including 7,479 Cruze compact cars, accounted for almost 23 percent of GM deliveries last month. GM sold 24,289 Cruzes, up 51 percent, as it sells down the 2014 model, Jim Cain, a spokesman, said in an e-mail.

Ford's Escape small SUV had its best October ever, with sales up 12 percent to 24,919 models, making it the company's second-best selling model behind only the F-Series pickup line. F-Series sales fell 0.6 percent as Ford converts its pickup factory in Michigan to build an new aluminum-bodied version of the popular F-150.

Strong Month

Fiat Chrysler, which began trading Oct. 13 on the New York Stock Exchange after the combination of Fiat SpA and Chrysler Group LLC, said the industry's annualized sales pace for October may have reached 16.9 million, including medium- and heavy-duty trucks that typically account for at least 200,000 yearly sales. GM estimated that the light-vehicle selling rate was 16.4 million last month.

Analysts had estimated that the selling rate, adjusted for seasonal trends, climbed to 16.4 million from 15.4 million a year earlier. September's rate topped 16 million for the seventh straight month.

Honda Motor Co. deliveries climbed 5.8 percent on demand for the CR-V and Fit, falling short of estimates for an 8 percent gain. Honda reported a 30 percent increase in CR-V sales to 29,257. Fit sales jumped 83 percent to 6,851. Acura premium- brand deliveries rose 7.9 percent, while Honda brand gained 5.5 percent.

Sales of Nissan's Rogue climbed 14 percent to 14,685 units, the Versa rose 29 percent to 11,097 units, while the mid-size Altima sedan climbed 8.1 percent to 23,544 cars, Nissan said. Deliveries for Nissan's premium Infiniti brand fell 1.2 percent to 9,045 units, the company said today in a statement.

Sales of the Murano crossover gained 38 percent to 4,271 as the automaker prepares to start production for the redesigned 2015 model at its Canton, Mississippi, assembly plant on Nov. 5.

The Japanese automakers' earnings will benefit from the boost in U.S. sales following the yen's weakening. The currency has fallen to an almost seven-year low against the dollar after the Bank of Japan expanded its record stimulus program on Oct. 31, increasing the value of repatriated earnings.