GM's sales up 12 percent

DETROIT (AP) -- General Motors Co. says its U.S. sales rose 12 percent in March on strong demand for fuel-efficient small cars. The company said Tuesday it sold a record 100,000 cars and crossovers that achieve 30 miles per gallon or better on the highway. It sold 2,289 Chevrolet Volt electric cars, the best month for the Volt since it went on sale in late 2010. GM said compact and subcompact car sales were up a combined 62 percent thanks to the new Chevrolet Sonic subcompact. GM sold 8,251 Sonics in March. Sales of the Chevrolet Cruze small car were up 20 percent. Sales of small crossovers also were strong as customers continued to downsize from SUVs. Chevrolet Equinox sales were up 34 percent. Buick and Cadillac sales were down for the month. Published: Thu, Apr 5, 2012