New motor vehicle sales increased 1.2 per cent to 128,415 units in September, largely on the strength of a surge in North American-built passenger cars.

Canadians bought 64,043 cars during the month, a 2.0 per cent improvement. Of that, sales of North American-built cars improved by 5.3 per cent, while overseas-made cars increased by 1.9 per cent.

There were also 64,372 truck sales, a 0.5 per cent increase. The truck category includes minivans, sport-utility vehicles, light and heavy trucks, vans and buses. It was the third straight monthly gain in the category. Truck sales have exceeded passenger car sales on a monthly basis since May.

Despite the monthly increase, on a yearly basis, Statistics Canada said Friday, September's sales were 7.5 per cent lower than a year earlier.

Regionally, sales increased in seven provinces during September.

Preliminary industry data indicates the number of new motor vehicles sold increased by three per cent in October.