Strong Truck Demand Boosts U.S. Market 5%

Car and light truck sales in the U.S. grew 5% to 1.45 million units in April, powered by strong demand for pickup trucks, crossovers and SUVs.

April's annualized sales pace climbed to 16.5 million from 16.1 million a year ago and 17.2 million in March, according to Autodata Corp.

Sales of traditional domestic brands last month rose 6% to 677,400 units representing 46.6% of the total market on gains at General Motors (+6% to 269,100 units), Ford (+5% to 221,700) and Chrysler (+6% to 185,200).

Demand for European brands also climbed 6% in April, reaching 133,400 units and a 9.2% share of the American market. Mercedes-Benz sales surged 13% to 31,900 units, making it America's best-selling European marque. Volkswagen sales fell 3% to 30,000. BMW's volume rose 7% to 27,000 vehicles. Audi sales climbed 8% to 16,800 units.

Sales of Asian marques grew only 3% to 544,100 units in April. Nissan led the expansion with a 6% increase to 109,800 vehicles. Toyota sales rose 2% to 203,300. Honda's volume dropped 2% to 130,100. Hyundai's volume advanced 3% to 68,000 units, but affiliate Kia posted a 1% decline to 53,300.

Crossovers, SUVs and pickup trucks accounted for 53.8% of the January-April market, up 2.8 points from the same period in 2014.