UPDATE 3-Detroit's Big Three report higher February sales in Canada

(Adds commentary from auto analyst)
By Allison Lampert
MONTREAL, March 1 (Reuters) - Automakers on Tuesday mostly
reported higher February sales in Canada, with some analysts
rethinking earlier forecasts that Canadian demand for light
vehicles and trucks would level off this year following a record
breaking 2015.
"Fears of a downturn in light vehicle sales in Canada this
year are not panning out. At least not yet," wrote Canadian auto
analyst Dennis DesRosiers in a Tuesday note.
DesRosiers, who expects automakers to sell slightly more
vehicles in Canada this year compared with 2015, said February
auto sales also hit a record for the month.
Only a small number of automakers sold fewer vehicles last
month compared with February 2015, with overall sales rising 9
percent, DesRosiers wrote.
Detroit's Big Three automakers said they sold more vehicles
last month, compared with February 2015. Fiat Chrysler (NYSE:FCAU)
Automobiles NV FCHA.MI and Ford Motor (NYSE:F) Co F.N reported their
highest February sales since 2000, driven by stronger demand for
SUVs and trucks.
Ford said it sold 18,403 vehicles last month, a 23 percent
increase compared to February 2015, with demand rising for the
Ford F-Series pickup truck.
"New vehicle sales in Canada are off to a fast start this
year," said Dianne Craig, president and chief executive of Ford
Motor Company of Canada Ltd, in a news release.
There was a similar trend in the U.S., where carmakers
reported on Tuesday that February auto sales soared to a 15-year
high for the month, in the latest sign of continued consumer
confidence. Auto sales last month rose about 7 percent, helped
by low gasoline prices, available and low-interest credit and
higher wages.
In Canada, General Motors Co (NYSE:GM) GM.N said its Canadian
Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac dealers delivered 15,729
vehicles last month, an increase of 14 percent compared with
February 2015.
FCA Canada reported a total of 18,813 vehicles sold last
month, up 1 percent compared with February 2015, as demand
increased for its Jeep and Ram brands.
Subaru Co Ltd 9778.T reported virtually flat Canadian
sales, with 2,543 units sold last month, a 0.2 percent increase
compared with February 2015.