US automakers said Wednesday that their sales slowed in March, but they remain optimistic about the market. General Motors' (GM) said that its sales fell 2 percent, while Ford and Nissan said that they both saw 3 percent declines compared with last March. FCA, the parent of Chrysler and Fiat, said that its U.S. sales rose 2 percent in March, but sales of its top seller – the Ram pickup truck - were down 2 percent. There were several contributing factors as to why March sales were down. Last March saw a surge in sales after an unusually cold February. By contrast, this March still had lingering snow in much of the country. This March also had one less weekend than last March. Analysts said that sales remain on track to reach 17 million this year, their best performance since 2005. Low interest rates, low gas prices, the improving economy, and new sport utility vehicles (SUV) like the Subaru Outback and the Jeep Cherokee are all drawing buyers to dealerships.