June Auto Sales

Across the industry, automakers sold 859,847 cars and trucks in the United States in June, a 28 percent decline from June 2008, according to preliminary data released yesterday by research firm Autodata. Ford grabbed more market share from its competitors, and its sales were the healthiest, down 11 percent from a year ago. General Motors, which is operating under Chapter 11 protection, reported a 33 percent drop. Chrysler, just weeks after exiting bankruptcy, said sales fell 42 percent. Economists say consumers are warily making purchases again. Yet some held off last month, as Congress rallied to pass the "cash for clunkers" bill, which gives consumers vouchers to purchase new, more fuel-efficient cars and trucks when they trade in older models. "It certainly put some people on the sidelines," said Mark LaNeve, GM North America vice president of sales, service and marketing. And companies are offering a fresh round of incentives to draw buyers back into showrooms. This summer, Hyundai is offering gas cards that let consumers pay $1.49 a gallon for one year. - Kendra Marr