U.S. Car Sales Fall 4%

Car and light-truck sales in the U.S. declined to 1.14 million in September from 1.19 million a year earlier, partly because Labor Day weekend sales through Sept. 2 were counted in August.

September's annualized sales surged to 15.28 million from 14.78 million a year earlier, according to Autodata Corp. Still, that was the weakest pace since April's 14.92 million rate.

Demand for cars fell 6% to 567,400 units last month. Truck sales declined 4% to 571,600 units. A year ago cars controlled 50.5% of the U.S. market.

September sales by Detroit's Big Three carmakers slipped 2% to 513,500 units, as an 11% drop to 187,200 units for General Motors offset increases at Ford (+6% to 184,500 units) and Chrysler (+1% to 139,900).

Last month's decline hit Asian brands hardest, cutting sales 7% to 408,200 units. All major producers reported shrinkage: Toyota (-4% to 164,500 units), Honda (-10% to 105,600), Nissan (-6% to 86,900), Hyundai (-8% to 55,100) and Kia (-21% to 38,000).

Subaru was the sole exception among Asian brands: Its U.S. sales last month jumped 15% to 31,800 units.

Volume dipped 1% to 117,400 vehicles in mixed results for European brands. September sagged for market leader Volkswagen (-12% to 31,900 units). But demand rose for Mercedes-Benz (+8% to 26,800), BMW (+8% to 23,600) and Audi (+6% to 13,100) vehicles.