Ford's pickups, hybrids drive 6.8% rise in first-quarter US sales
The Ford display at the New York International Auto Show on March 28, 2024.

Ford Motor reported a 6.8% rise in first-quarter U.S. auto sales on Wednesday, powered by demand for its pickup trucks, crossover SUVs and hybrids.

Sales of the automaker's affordable compact Maverick pickup truck surged nearly 82% to 39,061 units as more buyers gravitated toward cheaper vehicles over the past few months amid higher living costs.

Ford had also boosted production capacity for the Maverick, which starts at $23,815, late last year to meet the strong demand.