February auto sales up, but not for all - USA TODAY

Monthly auto sales were up, but not for all automakers and not as much as some industry watchers forecast. One jarring note: Toyota Motor outsold Ford Motor by 84 vehicles to take the No. 2 spot, behind General Motors. Toyota's SUV sales rose significantly, while Ford's overall sales fell because it hasn't yet gotten production of the redesigned F-150 pickup up to speed at the Kansas City Assembly Plant. Ahead of the sales reports, most forecasts were set for an annual pace of 16. 7 million. With automakers that account for most sales reporting, the estimate slid as low as 16. 2 million. Slow February, slow year is the fear. Among the domestic makers, General Motors and FCA — Fiat Chrysler Automobiles — reported increases, while Ford dropped slightly on lack of full F-150 production. Overall, GM truck sales rocketed 36% ahead of last year. At FCA, Jeep SUV brand continued to be the headliner — up 21. 1% for its best month ever. In spite of some soft sales totals — Ford and Volkswagen among them — TrueCar. com says the month is evidence that the "renaissance in the U. S. auto sector continues into February. Source: www.usatoday.com