General Motors reports February US sales up 7 percent, sign of continuing industry momentum

General Motors' U.S. sales rose 7 percent in February, another sign that U.S. auto sales powered through any consumer uncertainty caused by an uneven economy and possible government spending cuts.

GM says it sold just over 224,000 cars and trucks last month, led by the Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck with a 29 percent increase. GM sold nearly 42,000 Silverados in February as businesses replaced aging trucks.

Other automakers also reported sales increases for the month. Chrysler was up 4 percent, while Ford rose 9 percent.

Industry analysts expect February U.S. sales to rise about 7 percent for an annual rate of about 15.2 million.

• All four GM brands posted higher year-over-year sales: Cadillac was up 20 percent; Buick was up 15 percent; GMC was up 10 percent, and Chevrolet was up 5 percent.
• Crossover sales increased 17 percent and compact crossovers had their best month ever; truck sales were up 14 percent and car sales were down 4 percent.
• Sales of GM’s full-size pickups were up 28 percent to 58,039 units.
• The Chevrolet Equinox , GMC Terrain and the redesigned Buick Enclave had their best-ever February sales.
• The Chevrolet Spark and Cadillac ATS had their best sales months yet.

READ: Ford's US sales up 9% in February

READ: Chrysler US sales up 4% in February