Asian Brands Grow 5% in U.S.

Retail sales of cars and light trucks in the U.S. rose 6% to 1.54 million in March, according to Autodata Corp. The market research firm says the annualized sales rate for the month jumped to 16.4 million from 15.3 million in March 2013.

Asian brands accounted for 46.1% of the total, down from 46.3% in March 2013, as combined sales rose 5% to 708,000 units. Demand rose for Toyota (+5%), Nissan (+8%), Kia (+12%) and Mazda (+9%). Volume shrank 2% at Honda and Hyundai.

Traditional U.S. brands advanced 6% to 690,200 units in March for a market share of 44.9%. Sales rose 4% at General Motors, 3% at Ford and 13% at Chrysler.

European brands climbed 7% to 139,100 sales, but their combined market share was unchanged at 9%. Segment leader Volkswagen continued a 12-month slide as sales shrank 3%. BMW outsold rival Mercedes-Benz, and European luxury brands all reported stronger sales.