DETROIT – Chrysler's U.S. sales rose 4 percent last month from a year ago and Volkswagen sales were up 3 percent as both automakers reported strong February sales.

But both companies are still see their sales growth slow after outpacing the U.S. market for the past couple of years.

Chrysler had its best February in five years, with just over 139,000 cars and trucks sold. VW reported its best February since 1973 with sales of more than 31,000. Industry analysts expect an overall increase of around 7 percent when automakers report U.S. results Friday, as sales remained strong despite some headwinds for consumers.