FRANKLIN, Tenn. (AP) — Nissan North America Inc. said that U.S. sales in August rose 7.6 percent from the same period a year ago on stronger demand for its cars.

BY THE NUMBERS: The Japanese automaker said that it sold 98,515 vehicles last month, up from 91,541 in August 2011.

TOP SELLERS: Nissan sold 25,889 Altima sedans in August, up 12.5 percent from 23,016 a year ago.

HOT MODELS: Sales of the Sentra sedan jumped 31.8 percent to 10,623 in August.