Detroit 3 post double-digit sales growth in the U.S. in January

General Motors, Ford and Chrysler all posted double-digit sales growth in the U.S. in January, as demand stood strong and the economy recovered.

Ford posted a 21.8 sales increase last month, leading the way thanks to record sales for the Fusion and Escape nameplates. Chrysler Group’s sales rose 16.4 percent, marking the carmaker’s best January since 2008, while GM sales increased 15.9 percent, with all four of its brands posting strong gains.

In terms of numbers, GM sold 194,699 vehicles, Ford 166,051 and Chrysler 117,731. For Ford, it was the best January since 2006, with car sales up 34 percent, SUV sales up 23 percent and truck sales up 11 percent over the same month in 2012. Ford brand sales were up 23.3 percent, but Lincoln brand sales fell by 18.2 percent. Ford’s best-selling car in January was the Fusion, with 22,399 units, up 64.5 percent from January 2012.

Chrysler, Dodge, Ram and Fiat brands posted year-over-year gains, while Jeep brand sales were down 4 percent. Dodge brand’s sales jumped the most – 37 percent over January 2012. January was the best month for the Dodge Dart compact, with 7,154 units sold, up 17 percent over the previous month.

GM’s car sales increased 12 percent in January over the same month in 2012, while truck sales rose 13 percent and crossover sales jumped 27 percent. Buick brand sales rose 31.9 percent in January, Cadillac brand sales also jumped 47 percent, Chevrolet sales rose 10.9 percent while GMC sales increased 23.4 percent.