DETROIT (WKZO) -- Three major U.S. automakers are posting sales gains for July.  Sales at General Motors last month rose about eight-percent while Ford Motor Company reports a nine-percent increase.  Chrysler, now controlled by Fiat, gained 20-percent in sales.

Sales data is often viewed as a gauge of consumer demand in the U.S.  Despite the uptick, Americans are still keeping a tight grip on their wallets.  Analysts say the high unemployment rate and concerns over continued economic weakness may lead car makers to offer big customer incentives in the coming months that could drain profits.