Industrial output at U.S. factories, mines, and utilities rose 0.4 percent in March as cold weather kept utilities busy generating heat and a surge in auto production helped offset broader weakness in manufacturing, the government said Tuesday. The Federal Reserve (Fed) reported that overall factory production fell 0.1 percent last month due to declining production of metals and clothing. Still consumer goods climbed 1.1 percent, matching the February gain, and business equipment showed a slight increase. Production of autos and auto parts surged 2.9 percent in March, the second consecutive monthly gain. Auto production is up 10.2 percent over the past 12 months. Car sales have risen steadily this year after recording a five-year high in 2012. Utility output rose 5.3 percent last month, as Americans used more heat during a colder-than-normal March.
