Chrysler, Nissan, Ford Post Strong March U.S. Sales Gains (F, GM)

March saw U.S. auto sales rise substantially, with Chrysler, Nissan and Ford F at the top of the gains table. With sales of 121,730 cars and light trucks in March, Chrysler saw an increase of 31 percent from 2010 and its highest monthly total in nearly three years. Nissan came a close second, selling 121,141 new vehicles. Ford sales rose to 212,295, a 19 percent increase and enough to put its monthly total ahead of bigger rival General Motors for only the second time since 1998. GM's GM sales rose to 206,621 vehicles, a 10 percent increase.