UPDATE 4-Detroit's Big Three report higher March sales in Canada

(Adds comment from Canadian auto analyst)
By Allison Lampert
MONTREAL, April 1 (Reuters) - Detroit's Big Three automakers
on Friday reported higher March and first-quarter auto sales in
Canada, as forecasters expect Canadian demand this year for
vehicles and trucks to exceed that of record-breaking 2015.
General Motors Co (NYSE:GM). GM.N and Ford Motor (NYSE:F) Co. F.N reported
double-digit sales increases for March and the first quarter of
2016, compared with the same periods a year earlier, fueled
largely by low gasoline prices and greater demand for trucks.
"The market continues to see solid sales momentum in March,"
Canadian auto analyst Dennis DesRosiers wrote in a note. "It has
been a dream start to 2016."
Automakers sold 175,142 vehicles in Canada last month and
402,896 units for the first quarter, up 9 percent for both
periods, DesRosiers said, noting the March sales were a record
for the month.
Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac dealers delivered 24,498
vehicles in March 2016, an increase of 17 percent versus March
2015, GM said in a statement. March 2016 had one extra selling
day compared with March 2015.
GM's sales in the first quarter of 2016 were up 18 percent
compared with the same period in 2015.
Ford sold 26,447 vehicles in Canada last month, up 24
percent compared with March 2015. Increased demand for trucks
fueled a 21 percent rise in Ford's first-quarter sales.
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (NYSE:FCAU) FCHA.MI reported 25,862 vehicles
sold in March 2016, up 3 percent compared with the same month in
2015. Sales for the first quarter were up 2 percent compared
with the first three months of 2015.
"Minivan and Jeep sales gains were the key contributors to
our March results," Dave Buckingham, chief operating officer,
FCA Canada, said in a news release.
Honda Motor Co Ltd 7267.T reported its best-ever month of
March in Canada with sales of 16,355 units, up 11 percent from
the same month in 2015. Toyota Motor Corp 7203.T sold 19,097
vehicles in March in Canada, up 13.6 percent compared with 2015.
In the United States, General Motors and Fiat Chrysler on
Friday reported lower U.S. auto sales for March than industry
analysts expected, but Ford Motor Co F.N and Nissan Motor Co
7201.T topped estimates. ID:nL2N1740QD Analysts polled by
Reuters expected an increase in March auto sales of about 7
percent from a year earlier.
Low gasoline prices, relatively low interest rates and
stronger employment have helped boost U.S. auto sales for
several years.