By Jerome Vaughn, Michigan Public Radio Network
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wkar/local-wkar-894039.mp3
DETROIT, MI –
U.S. automakers are reporting large sales gains for the month of March.
AUDIO:
The country's three largest automakers are reporting sales increases of more than 40% percent compared to March 2009.
General Motors showed a year-over-year sales improvement of 43%. The Detroit automaker says demand for its crossover vehicles doubled last month.
Ford's March sales also jumped 43%. The company says new or upgraded models led more customers to return to its showrooms.
Even Toyota posted a 41% sales increase as consumers began to regain confidence in the brand after the recall of several million vehicles to fix accelerator problems.
Industry analysts say vehicle incentives and comparisons to sales during the depth of the U.S. recession boosted the sales growth percentages.
Chrysler sales fell eight percent for the month.