Chrysler's US sales jumps 31 percent in March

Chrysler Group LLC announced Friday that its US sales jumped 31 percent from a year ago in March, to the highest level in nearly three years.

The automaker sold 121,730 vehicles last month, up 28 percent from February, and 31 percent increase from March last year. This was the best March since 2008, and the highest sales for any month since May 2008.

The Auburn Hills company also announced that its sales in the first quarter jumped by 23 percent to 286,950. The Dodge, Chrysler and Fiat brands all contributed to the surge in car sales.

"Our pickups and sport-utilities have been strong performers in the market, and now we are seeing our cars gaining momentum in the marketplace as well," said Fred Diaz, head of US Sales, in a statement.