DETROIT (AP) — Ford Motor Co.’s U.S. sales rose 11 percent in 2011 thanks to strong demand for its trucks and SUVs.

Ford sold 2.1 million vehicles last year, a sign of the industry’s continuing recovery. It was the first time the Ford brand has passed the 2 million mark since before the recession in 2007.

Strong sellers included the new Ford Explorer SUV, which more than doubled sales from 2010. The Escape small SUV and Ranger small pickup also posted big increases.

Ford’s car sales rose 4 percent. Sales of the Fiesta subcompact nearly tripled over 2010, but Ford didn’t get much traction with its new Focus small car.

Ford’s Lincoln brand sales were flat.

Ford says December sales climbed 10 percent over the same month last year.