Amid the decline, VW's crossovers accounted for a record 60 percent of sales.

Toyota's U.S. deliveries fell 29 percent in June, though sales of some hybrid models actually rose over June 2019. At Lexus, sales fell 10 percent for the month.

Volkswagen will freshen its top-selling global vehicle, the Tiguan crossover, beginning this fall. But the changes won't hit the U.S. until October 2021.

The freshened 2021 Audi Q5 gets a boost in base horsepower from the addition of a 12-volt mild-hybrid system, along with interior improvements and styling changes. The 2021 Q5 is due in U.S. dealerships in the fourth quarter.

Volkswagen's 650 U.S. dealers sold a record 11,087 certified pre-owned vehicles in May, thanks to an aggressive financing offer from Volkswagen Credit to help dealers and consumers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Volkswagen's 2021 Arteon sedan is receiving new interior upgrades and a slimmed-down trim walk, along with exterior styling modifications and added safety equipment as part of a freshening. The new model is expected in U.S. dealerships in November.

Ford, Toyota and Mercedes are exploring longer-term work-from-home arrangements as remote work experiments forced by COVID-19 have in some instances improved productivity and employee morale.

Lexus improved the suspension, styling and safety and infotainment systems for the 2021 edition while keeping the existing platform.

The first undisguised images of Volkswagen's upcoming ID4 battery electric crossover have leaked online, showing that it will hue closely to the styling of the German automaker's fossil fuel-powered lineup while maintaining elements that identify it as an EV.

The new office will employ some 60 engineers and initially use a fleet of specially marked Q7s to gather data for development of advanced driver-assistance systems.

Lexus reengineered the 2021 Lexus IS sport sedan on an existing third-generation platform and focused on improving the car's performance and handling while improving the infotainment system and styling.

Executives said U.S. retail sales are running at about 85 percent of last year's level but fleet demand remains anemic. The automaker is still working to get its plants back to full capacity.

Toyota Motor North America appointed Craig Gruzca as its new chief human resources officer, replacing Cheryl Hughes, who has been in the role since January 2016. Hughes will assume a new position: group vice president for business revolution and transformation.

The brand will debut the redesigned sports sedan six days later than originally planned. The online reveal will take place from Toyota's North American headquarters in Plano, Texas.