Auto sales up with economy, but buyers downsize

[Omaha Steve]

Source: AP

By TOM KRISHER and DEE-ANN DURBIN

DETROIT (AP) - Americans bought smaller cars and SUVs in March, as higher gas prices made fuel efficiency a top priority and rising employment meant more first-time buyers bought a vehicle.

The trends lifted U.S. sales of new vehicles by 17 percent from a year earlier to 1.25 million, a healthy rate that shows the auto industry's slow and steady recovery remains on track. The monthly sales pace, adjusted for seasonal differences and projected out for the year, came in at 13.1 million. That's higher than last year, but still far below recent boom years when car sales hit 16 million a year.

The March 11 earthquake in Japan had little impact on sales, although automakers said supplies of some cars could be tighter as spring progresses.

General Motors, Ford, Honda and Nissan all saw double-digit increases in sales. Of major automakers, only Toyota reported a decline of 6 percent, but that was expected since Toyota's sales last March were boosted by big incentives.


Read more: http://apnews.excite.com/article/20110401/D9MB51281.html

---

In this March 30, 2011 photo, Paul Lanehart unloads 2011 Chevrolet vehicles at Cody Chevrolet- Cadillac in Montpelier, Vt. General Motors' U.S. car and truck sales rose 11 percent in March, a smaller increase than the prior two months as it offered fewer rebates and other incentives. (AP Photo/Toby Talbot)

[onehandle]

1. I just turned in a leased small SUV today and will be looking for a small car later in the year. nt

[sarcasmo]

2. Most will wish they had a small car when gas hits 5 dollars around the 4th of July.

[Stella_Artois]

3. I wish fuel was that cheap here

Seriously. I think its around $10 a gallon when you work it out. Americans STILL don't realise how good they have it.