Automobile sales in the United States fell in June as high gasoline
prices kept consumers away from trucks and sports utility vehicles that
require a lot of fuel.
U.S.-based General Motors, the world's
largest carmaker, Tuesday announced sales fell more than 18 percent in
June from the same month last year. GM's Japanese rival Toyota
reports its sales fell more than 21 percent.
In a statement, GM
said its truck market has been affected by the sudden rise in fuel
prices. But, it says demand is continuing to grow for hybrid cars,
which use less fuel than conventional vehicles because they combine a
gasoline engine with high-tech batteries and electric motors.
On
Friday, a major U.S. credit-rating service announced renewed concerns
about the top three American automakers, GM, Ford and Chrysler, due to
the industry-wide sales slump.
Some information for this report provided by AP and AFP.
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