Sales up 6.9% compared to -0.1% expected
An expected slump in January didn't materialize as Fiat Chrysler sales increased for the 70th consecutive month. Sales expectations this month were dampened by the Jan 23-24 snow storm that hit the East Coast.
Cheap gasoline may be helping to spur sales of larger cars as Jeep sales rose 15% to their highest ever. That's a positive sign for the consumer.
Chrysler is the first of the big-3 to report. Later today, total vehicle sales are expected at a 17.3m pace.