U.S. Auto Sales Edge Up 2%

Carmakers sold 1.18 million cars and light trucks in the U.S. last month compared with 1.16 million units in April 2011, according to Autodata Corp.

That translates into an annualize rate of 14.4 million vehicles, matching March's pace. The rate was 13.2 million units in April 2011.

The annual selling rate has exceeded 14 million units for four consecutive months, boosting analyst confidence that solid growth is sustainable.

Chrysler posted the biggest sales gain last month among major automakers with an 18% jump to 137,300 vehicles. But volume declined at General Motors (8% to 213,400 units) and Ford (5% to 179,700 units). Overall, domestic brand sales dipped 2% to 530,400 units.

Asian brand sales rose 3% to 536,100 vehicles. Toyota reported a 12% increase to 178,000 vehicles. Demand dropped 2% to 122,000 units at Honda and was unchanged at 71,300 units at Nissan. The combined sales of Hyundai and affiliate Kia edged up 1% to 109,900 vehicles.

Sales of European brands last month surged 19% to 118,000 vehicles because of big increases at Volkswagen (32% to 37,500 units), Mercedes-Benz (27% to 24,300), BMW (12%) and Audi (15% to 11,500).