If 2011 marked halftime for Chrysler, then the automaker is starting the first quarter of 2012 with a huge scoring rally. Spurred by strong sales in its Jeep division and a spike in demand for its sedans, the Chrysler Group reported its best first-quarter and monthly sales since 2008.

Across the board, Chrysler saw a 34 percent increase in March sales compared with a year ago. This capped 24 consecutive months of year-over-year sales increases, and the 10th consecutive month of sales gains of at least 20 percent.

There were no weak players in Chrysler’s lineup. Every Chrysler Group model in production for more than 12 months recorded a year-over-year sales surge in March. The Chrysler 300 and Chrysler 200 both saw sales more than double from a year ago, spurred in part by huge marketing campaigns, including the now-famous Super Bowl halftime ad featuring Clint Eastwood.

Cross-town rivals Ford and General Motors also saw strong sales in March, aided by the fuel-efficient vehicles in their rosters.

GM says its sales rose 12 percent, which included a record 100,000 cars and crossovers that achieve an EPA-estimated 30 mpg highway rating or better. Car sales at GM increased 22 percent, and small- and compact-car sales jumped a combined 62 percent. Sales of compact crossovers were up 47 percent, while midsize car sales were up 38 percent. Full-size pickup sales saw a gain of 14 percent.

Ford also had a big sales month in March, with the Focus and Edge seeing their best sales ever for the month. The Ford F-150 truck series had its largest March sales since 2007.

[Source: USA Today]