The "Big Three" US automakers-Detroit, Michigan-based General Motors, Auburn Hills, Michigan-based Chrysler and Dearborn, Michigan-based Ford Motor Company-all reported a slight slowdown in total vehicle sales in May.
General Motors suffered the biggest loss, selling 221,192 units in May-down 1.2 percent over 223,822 unit sales in 2010. Retail sales rose 9 percent for the automaker; however, General Motors sold 16 percent fewer vehicles to rental car fleets, resulting in a decline in total monthly sales.
Ford sold 192,102 units in the US in May, a 0.1 percent decline over May 2010, although year-to-date sales are up 12 percent.
Chrysler Group was the only US automaker to report gains in May. Total unit sales for Chrysler Group were 115,363 units, reflecting a 10 percent increase over the same period a year ago. Retail sales surged 27 percent.