Ford Canada claims top sales spot for March, Chrysler gains six per cent

(Photo: Ford Motor Company)

TORONTO -- Ford Motor Co. of Canada says it was the best selling automaker in the country last month as sales of its popular F-150 pickup truck helped push results higher.

The company says overall sales were up two per cent compared with a year ago, to total 25,092, up from 24,690. F-150 sales were up 23 per cent.

Meanwhile, car sales slipped to 6,046 for the month, down from 6,157 in March 2012. Total truck sales came to 19,046 for March, up from 18,533.

While Ford claimed the top spot, Chrysler Canada reported a six per cent increase in monthly sales for March to bring its sales to 24,173, up from 22,703 in March 2012.

Chrysler said it was the company's best March sales since 2000 and marked 40 consecutive months of year-over-year sales growth.

Mazda Canada said it sold 8,153 vehicles in the month, up five per cent from 7,779 in March 2012, led by sales of its Mazda3.

The compact car put in its best March since 2010 and second best March ever with 4,848 sold, up 25 per cent from a year ago.

"Canadians love to buy compact cars, and the Mazda3 with Skyactiv Technology had a great month in March, which helped Mazda outpace the market," said Vito Paladino, director of sales operations at Mazda Canada.

Kia Canada reported 5,877 new vehicles sold in the month of March, down 11.3 per cent from a year ago.