U.S. February Car Sales Stall

Sales of cars and light trucks in the U.S. totaled 1.19 million in February, the same as in February 2013, reports Autodata Corp.

The market research firm pegs last month's adjusted annualized sales rate at 15.34 million, also unchanged. Carmakers posting lower volume blamed storms and relentlessly cold weather for keeping buyers away from showrooms.

Traditional domestic brands sold a total 558,500 units in February compared with 556,900 a year earlier. Sales slipped 1% to 222,100 vehicles for General Motors and fell 6% to 138,300 units at Ford. Chrysler's volume jumped 12% to 151,400 units.

Asian brands increased sales by only 1,800 units to 530,500 vehicles. Advances by Nissan (+16% to 115,400) and Subaru (+24% to 34,900) narrowly offset declines for the region's other major nameplates. Sales sagged at Toyota (-4% to 159,300 units), Honda (-7% to 100,400), Hyundai (-6% to 49,000), Kia (-1% to 41,200) and Mazda (-2% to 24,300).

Demand for European marques fell 3% in February to 104,900 units as healthy demand for luxury brands failed to offset another year-on-year slump for Volkswagen (-14% to 27,100 units).

February sales by Mercedes-Benz and BMW each advanced 3% to 24,000 units and 22,000 units, respectively. Other gainers include Porsche (+15% to 3,200), Land Rover (+3% to 4,000) and Jaguar (+35% to 1,600). Maserati more than quadrupled sales to 800 units. Audi sales were flat at 10,900. Volvo's volume plunged 18% to 4,000).

Autodata says a 6% gain in truck sales (to 611,900 units) in February offset 5% shrinkage (to 582,000) for passenger cars.