WINDSOR

Chrysler and Nissan defy slowdown forecasts with double-digit U.S. sales gains

The Associated Press Published Monday, March 3, 2014 9:12AM EST

Chrysler unveiled the new 200 Monday, Jan. 13 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, MI. (Adam Ward/ CTV Windsor)

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DETROIT -- Chrysler and Nissan each posted double-digit U.S. sales gains last month as they convinced buyers to buy pickups and small SUVs.

Nissan says its sales were up almost 16 per cent to just over 115,000 despite repeated winter storms that struck much of the country. Chrysler sales rose 11 per cent to nearly 155,000.

Chrysler was led by the Ram pickup with a 26 per cent sales gain. Nissan was led by the Rogue crossover SUV with sales up almost 73 per cent.

All automakers are due to report February sales on Monday. Analysts expect only about a 1 per cent sales increase as other automakers report small increases or sales declines.