Big Three Report February Sales, Chrysler Jumps 11 Percent

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Chrysler Group was the only automaker of the Big Three to report increased sales in February, based on figures released today.

The Auburn Hills-based automaker posted U.S. sales of 154,866 units, an 11 percent increase compared with sales in February 2013. It was Chrysler’s best February sales since 2007. While the Chrysler, Ram Truck, and Fiat brands each posted sales gains when compared to the same month a year ago, Jeep led the way.

“The severe weather has been ideally suited for our … Jeep 4×4 capability as Jeep brand sales were up 47 percent and the brand had its best February sales ever,” said Reid Bigland, head of U.S. sales for Chrysler.

Five Chrysler Group vehicles logged their best February sales, including the Jeep Compass, Jeep Patriot, Jeep Wrangler, the Chrysler 200 mid-size sedan, and the Dodge Journey mid-size crossover.

In Dearborn, Ford Motor Co.’s sales of 183,947 vehicles showed a 6 percent year-over-year decrease, although Ford F-Series and Lincoln brand vehicles posted gains for February.

“Sales surged in the final week, providing us momentum after a slow start to the month,” said John Felice, Ford’s vice president, U.S. marketing, sales, and service. “Ford Fusion continued its strong retail sales performance in the West, outpacing the mid-size sedan segment.”

General Motors Co. also experienced a slight decrease in sales last month, reporting that its dealers delivered 222,104 vehicles, down 1 percent compared to the year before.

“Weather continued to impact the industry in February, but GM sales started to thaw during the Winter Olympic Games as our brand and marketing messages took hold,” said Kurt McNeil, U.S. vice president of sales operations. He added that sales were particularly strong at Buick and Chevrolet, with a strong mix of pickup sales.

“Despite a slower start to 2014 than most people expected, we look forward to a very successful year, backed by plenty of new products and what should be the strongest GDP growth since the end of the recession,” McNeil said.

To recap, automakers reported the following year-over-year sales changes for February 2014:

  • Ford: -6 percent
  • GM: -1 percent
  • Chrysler: +11 percent
  • Nissan: +15.8 percent
  • Subaru: +24 percent
  • Volkswagen: -13.8 percent