Ford's US sales up 9 percent in February

DETROIT (AP) — Ford Motor Co.'s U.S. sales rose 9 percent in February on strong sales of the Escape SUV and Fusion sedan, both of which set February sales records.

New versions of the Escape and Fusion went on sale late last year, but sales were initially slow due to a series of safety recalls.

Last month, Fusion sales jumped 28 percent and Escape sales rose 29 percent. Together, the vehicles made up more than a quarter of Ford's monthly sales.

Pickup truck sales were also strong as businesses replace aging trucks. F-Series pickup sales rose 15 percent last month.

Ford sold a total of 195,822 vehicles in February.

The company said it plans to increase North American production by 9 percent in the second quarter compared with the second quarter of 2012.