US car sales shift gear

0 Comments | AFP, May, 2008

DETROIT, Michigan (AFP) — While April sales of new vehicles in the United States dropped to their lowest level since 1992, figures also show that US consumers are buying smaller cars with better fuel economy over trucks and sport utility vehicles.

"Smaller vehicles are going over big," said Toyota Motor Sales president Jim Lentz. "With oil prices at record levels, compact cars and hybrids continue to lead the way."

Other Japanese brands, such as Honda, Nissan Subaru and Suzuki, also reported sales increases last month as consumers opted for small cars.

Overall, sales tracker Autodata reported that despite a weak economy, sales of passenger cars increased by five percent last month, while sales of trucks and sport utility vehicle plunged 17.4 percent.

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