European Brands Slip 3% in U.S.

Demand for passenger vehicles in the American market declined to 1.01 million units in January from 1.04 million a year earlier. The annualized selling rate was unchanged at 15.2 million but down from 15.4 million in December, according to Autodata Corp.

Analysts blame the slump on widespread snowstorms and record-low temperatures that kept buyers away from new-car showrooms.

January sales of European marques declined 4% to 96,000 vehicles. Gainers included Mercedes-Benz (1% to 23,900), BMW (11% to 18,300), Land Rover (11% to 4,700) and Fiat (29% to 3,200). Audi was unchanged at 10,100 units.

But those results weren't enough to offset another month of double-digit shrinkage for Volkswagen (-19% to 23,500), coupled with sharp reductions for Volvo (-22% to 3,800), Porsche (-31% to 3,100) and Mini (-31% to 2,500).

Demand for traditional U.S. brands fell 6% to 450,400 units, dragged down by drops of 12% at General Motors and 8% at Ford. Volume for Fiat Chrysler's American brands roses 8%, thanks to strong demand for pickup trucks.

Asian brands slipped less than half a percentage point to 466,200 vehicles last month. Hyundai, Kia, Nissan and Subaru posted gains. But volumes fell for Honda, Mazda and Toyota.