(March 1, 2012) Chrysler today reported U.S. sales of 133,521 units, a 40 percent increase compared with sales in February 2011 (95,102 units), and the group's best February sales since 2008 leading a 16 percent overall auto industry gain, its strongest showing in four years.

Total light vehicle sales rose to 1.15 million units as the seasonally adjusted sales annual rate hit 15.1 million. That was the healthiest pace since the 15.5 million rate in February 2008, just months before the industry collapse that sent Chrysler and General Motors into bankruptcy.

Chrysler Group outpaced the industry in February with its 23rd-consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains. The company has beaten the industry average sales increase in each of the last 12 months. It was Chrysler Group's ninth-consecutive month of sales gains of at least 20 percent.

BMW Group, Jaguar Land Rover, Mazda and VW Group were among companies with gains of 30 percent or more. Hyundai-Kia surged 26 percent, aided by a 37 percent gain at Kia.

Ford was up 14 percent over February 2011, General Motors was up 1 percent, Toyota and Honda both showed a 12 percent gain, and Nissan was up 16 percent.