CHICAGO, May 1 (Xinhua) -- Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) reported on Wednesday overall sales decline in April in both the United States and Canada, but its Ram brand sales kept rising despite continued softness within the industry.

FCA U.S. sold 172,900 vehicles in April, down 6 percent from 184,149 vehicles for the same period a year earlier.

The Ram brand achieved its fourth consecutive month of record sales for the year, as April sales rose 25 percent to 53,811 vehicles. Ram pickup sales also had their second consecutive month of record sales with 49,106 vehicles sold, while Ram van sales saw a 35-percent increase.

The Jeep Compass and Grand Cherokee both reported April records as sales rose 10 percent and 23 percent, respectively. This was the second consecutive month Grand Cherokee set a record monthly high.

"April marks the start of the spring selling season and we anticipate strong consumer spending as we move through May," said FCA U.S head of sales Reid Bigland.

"The industry may be shaking off the first-quarter sluggishness, but shoppers are coming into showrooms and buying," he added.

In Canada, FCA sold 20,802 vehicles in April, down about 10 percent from 23,057 units in the same period of 2018.

Ram brand sales were up 31 percent with 8,898 vans and pickups sold in April 2019, compared with results from the same month one year ago.