Ford China posted record monthly sales of 103,815 vehicles in March, a 28% increase over March 2013, crossing the 100,000 monthly sales mark for the first time.

The strong March performance brought first quarter sales up by 45%, with 271,321 vehicles sold compared to 186,596 during the same period last year.Ford-brand car sales—which include sales for the imported Ford Explorer, Ford Edge, Ford Focus ST and the Ford Fiesta ST—grew 57% in the first quarter, with 204,196 cars sold, up from 130,176 during the first quarter of 2013. In March, sales were up 35% with 75,314 cars sold compared to 55,787 during the same period last year.

Ford’s passenger car joint venture Changan Ford Automobile (CAF) saw sales rise 52% in the first quarter, with 195,198 vehicles sold compared to 128,006 in the first quarter of 2013. March sales also grew, with 71,888 vehicles sold, up 30% compared to 55,348 in March 2013.

The Ford Kuga has sold more than 120,000 units in China since its launch in February 2013. The Kuga was in high demand last month, with 12,107 vehicles sold, up 26% from March 2013.

Steady growth continued with Ford’s commercial vehicle investment in China, Jiangling Motors Corporation (JMC). JMC sold 67,125 vehicles in the first quarter, up 19% from the first quarter of 2013. March sales also increased to 28,501 vehicles, up 11% compared to the same period last year.