NEW YORK (CNNMoney) -- Higher gas prices did not scare consumers away from auto dealerships last month.
On Thursday Ford Motor (F, Fortune 500) and Chrysler Group reported a big jump in February sales, with both fuel efficient models and large trucks posting big gains.
Analysts are forecasting the best month for auto sales in four years in February, and the results from Chrysler and Ford are a good start for the industry to hit those targets. Other automakers such as General Motors (GM, Fortune 500) and Toyota Motor (TM) are due to report results later Thursday.
Ford, the No. 2 automaker in terms of U.S. sales, reported a 14.4% increase in sales.
It was helped by a 114% jump in sales of the compact Focus, the company's key fuel-efficient offering. But truck sales also posted a 20.6% rise, led by a 25.9% increase in sales for the full-size F-series pickup truck.
Best February auto sales in years - Mar. 1, 2012
On Thursday Ford Motor (F, Fortune 500) and Chrysler Group reported a big jump in February sales, with both fuel efficient models and large trucks posting big gains.
Analysts are forecasting the best month for auto sales in four years in February, and the results from Chrysler and Ford are a good start for the industry to hit those targets. Other automakers such as General Motors (GM, Fortune 500) and Toyota Motor (TM) are due to report results later Thursday.
Ford, the No. 2 automaker in terms of U.S. sales, reported a 14.4% increase in sales.
It was helped by a 114% jump in sales of the compact Focus, the company's key fuel-efficient offering. But truck sales also posted a 20.6% rise, led by a 25.9% increase in sales for the full-size F-series pickup truck.
Best February auto sales in years - Mar. 1, 2012