Sales in Japan of new imported vehicles, including those built abroad by Japanese companies, jumped 16.2 percent in July from a year earlier to 24,867 vehicles, an industry body said Monday.

Sales of foreign-brand cars, trucks and buses surged by 21.8 percent to 17,273 vehicles, according to the Japan Automobile Importers Association.

By brand, Nissan commanded the largest market share, at 23.07 percent, with sales of 5,737 vehicles. Volkswagen ranked second with an 18.16 percent share and sales of 4,517 cars, followed by Mercedes-Benz with a 10.64 percent share and sales of 2,645 vehicles.