General Motors, which last week reported its $4.7 billion 2010 profit in its full first annual report since emerging from bankruptcy, was the biggest winner as its share grew 2.7 points to 20.8 percent of the US market. The result are not to be taken lightly, as the 70 percent increase in retail sales represent the biggest year-over-year gain in the company's history.
"Our plan was to get off to a quick start this year, and we did just that," said Don Johnson, GM's vice president of US sales operations, according to Yahoo News. “Having the right vehicles in inventory, combined with aggressive advertising and targeted consumer marketing has been the key to our success in the first two months this year."
Ford reported a substantial increase in consumer demand for its fuel-efficient vehicles, as total February sales rose 14 percent to 156,626 and retail sales grew 23 percent from a year ago. But the rapid growth of the market meant its share dropped 1.9 points to 15.7 percent.
"With oil nearing $100 per barrel and gasoline prices continuing to rise, consumers' consideration for fuel economy once again is taking top billing," said Ken Czubay, Ford's vice president for US marketing, sales and service.
Meanwhile, Toyota's sales of 141,846 units in February were up 42 percent from the reduced levels of 2010, when the automaker was hurting from a series of mass recalls.
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