Mazda, Ford and Chrysler sales rocket upward

Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today reported September sales of 18,580, an increase of 30.5 percent compared to last September. Year-to-date sales through September, 2010, stand at 174,770, and are outpacing last year's sales at this time by 9.1 percent (up 9.6 percent DSR).

Ford said today that sales of its cars and trucks in the U.S. increased 46.3% in September. Sales increased 40% for Ford F-Series pickups, 48% for its Focus compact sedan and 47% for its Fusion midsize sedan over last September. “The key to our success in the U.S. market is the relentless cadence of new vehicle, powertrain and technology introductions," said Ken Czubay, Ford vice president of U.S. marketing, sales and service, in a statement.

Chrysler sold 100,077 vehicles in September, 61% more than a year earlier. It was the Auburn Hills automaker’s sixth consecutive year-over-year monthly sales gain and only the second month this year that it sold more than 100,000 cars and trucks. Chrysler brand nearly doubled sales – up 92% — as the Town & Country minivan sales jumped 149% to 9,001 and Sebring more than tripled to 4,651. Sales of the Dodge Grand Caravan nearly doubled to 8,057. The 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, now available at all 3,200 dealerships, also nearly doubled to 10,915. “We will continue to build sales momentum this fall as a slate of new product begins arriving in our dealerships," said Fred Diaz, Chrysler’s lead U.S. sales executive. Dodge brand posted a 71% year-over-year gain, followed by Jeep at 65% and Ram truck at 22%.