Trucks Push U.S. Vehicle Sales Up 6%

Retail sales of cars and light trucks in the U.S. rose to 1.54 million in March from 1.45 million a year earlier, reports Autodata Corp. The annualized sales rate jumped to 16.4 million from 15.3 million in March 2013.

Trucks drove last month's growth. Car sales improved only 1% to 763,200 units, but demand for light-duty trucks surged 11% to 774,100 vehicles.

Domestic brands advanced 6% to 690,200 units in March for a 44.9% share of the American market. Sales grew at General Motors (+4% to 256,000 units), Ford (+3% to 243,400) and Chrysler Group (+13% to 189,200).

Asian marques boosted sales 5% to 708,000 units, representing a 46.1% market share. But results were mixed among the carmakers. Gainers included Toyota (+5% to 215,300 units), Nissan (+8% to 149,100), Kia (+12% to 54,800) and Mazda (+9% to 34,900). March sales declined at Honda (-2% to 133,300 units) and Hyundai (-2% to 67,000).

European brands delivered 139,100 vehicles last month, up 7%. But their combined market share was unchanged at 9%. Segment leader Volkswagen, whose monthly sales have fallen below year-earlier levels for 12 consecutive months, dropped 3% to 36,700 units.

BMW outsold rival Mercedes-Benz by 32,100 to 29,300 vehicles. Other European luxury nameplates posting strong results included Audi (+8% to 14,200), Volvo (+10% to 5,900), Land Rover (+2% to 4,400) and Jaguar (+29% to 1,800).