Auto Sales in America Rise 9%

Carmakers sold 1.29 million cars and light trucks in the U.S. last month compared with 1.18 million units in April 2012, according to Autodata Corp.

April volume equates to an annual sales rate of 14.92 million vehicles compared to 14.12 million units a year earlier and a 15.27 million-unit rate in March.

U.S. domestic brands boosted deliveries 14% to 602,400 vehicles in April, led by Ford's 18% jump to 212,000 units. General Motors and Chrysler both posted 11% gains to 237,600 units and 152,800 units, respectively. American makes hiked their market share 2.1 points to 46.9%.

Sales by Asian brands in the U.S. advanced 5% to 563,200 vehicles last month, dampened by Toyota's 1% dip to 176,200 units. Volume grew 7% to 131,000 vehicles at Honda and climbed 23% to 87,800 units at Nissan. Demand increased 2% to 63,300 vehicles at Hyundai and was flat at 47,600 units at Kia. Subaru deliveries jumped 25% to 32,900 units.

April sales of European marques in America edged up 1% to 119,700 vehicles, reined in by a 10% drop to 33,600 units for the VW brand. Demand for luxury vehicles remained brisk, including Mercedes-Benz (+6% to 23,600 units), BMW (+10% to 23,200 vehicles) and Audi (+14% to 13,200 units).