US light vehicle sales in April fell 34.3% to 817,287 units with car sales off 35% to 429,770 units and light trucks down 33.5% to 387,517 units. March sales fell 34.2% year on year to 855,348 units.

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“The industry appears to have stabilised, as it’s been fairly level for the past four months,” said Jim Press, vice chairman and president at Chrysler. “We know where the bottom is, and as the economy struggles to recover, vehicle sales should follow.”


Chrysler’s sales were down 48.1% to 76,391 units while Ford fared best of the ‘Detroit Three with volume off 31.1% to 132,240. GM sales were down 33.2% to 172,198.


“Chrysler retail sales and share were well above expectations, which shows the real strength of our dealers and products in the marketplace in spite of a month filled with troubling headlines,” added Press. “This gives us reason for optimism as we begin working on our new alliance and restructuring plans.”


Toyota suffered a large fall of 41.9% to 126,540 units while Nissan was down 37.8% to 47,190 and Honda 25.3% to 101,029 units.

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Hyundai sales were down 13.6% to 33,952 units.


“We had strong sales of our Accent and Alabama-built Sonata, up 26 and 7%, respectively, and the best sales month yet for Genesis,” said Dave Zuchowski, Hyundai Motor America vice president of national sales. “Most importantly, we’ve delivered a 20% increase in retail market share.


Hyundai claimed to have outperformed every brand in retail market share increase in the first quarter.


Mitsubishi sales fell 55.9% to 3,919 units. MMNA president & CEO Shin Kurihara said that even though the entire auto industry saw dramatic declines in April, MMNA was looking for things to improve.


“There are signs the market is beginning to stabilise,” said Kurihara. “Our hard work during the global downturn provides us with a platform for success as the economy improves.”


“With the addition of the versatile Lancer Sportback this summer, an attention-getting new advertising campaign, and tremendous interest in our technologically-advanced all-electric i MiEV, Mitsubishi is positioned for success,” Kurihara added.


Among European importers, VW saw the lowest April fall, 14.2% to 23,299 units. BMW sales fell 38.4% to 19,362 cars and Daimler was down 30.6% to 15,933.