Vehicle Sales Grow 3% in U.S.
Carmakers delivered 1.45 million vehicles in the U.S. last month compared with 1.40 million units in March 2012, according to Autodata Corp.
Carmakers delivered 1.45 million vehicles in the U.S. last month compared with 1.40 million units in March 2012, according to Autodata Corp.
March's sales pace equates to an annual rate of 15.27 million vehicles compared with 14.14 million units a year earlier.
The advance was driven by 6% growth in demand for domestic and European brands. Deliveries by Asian marques rose less than 1%.
Domestic brands boosted sales to 649,400 vehicles. March volume climbed 6% at both GM and Ford to 246,000 vehicles and 235,600 units, respectively. Chrysler demand increased 5% to 167,800 units. American makes hiked their market share by one point to 44.7%, all of it garnered from Asian makes.
U.S. volume for Asian automakers advanced only 4,900 units to 673,200 vehicles last month. Demand rose 1% at Toyota and Nissan to 205,300 units and 137,700 units, respectively. Honda sales jumped 7% to 136,000 units. Deliveries fell 2% to 68,300 units at Hyundai and 15% to 49,100 at affiliate Kia.
Demand for European brands climbed 6% to 130,300 vehicles in March, including 3% growth to 37,300 units at Volkswagen.