GM sales off 1.2% in May
2011 Chevrolet sedans are seen reflected in the grille of a Chevrolet truck on the lot of a dealership, in Norwood, Mass. General Motors is reporting that U.S. sales fell 1.2 percent in May as it offered fewer deals to customers. (May 31, 2011) Credit: AP
DETROIT -- General Motors' U.S. sales fell 1.2 percent in May as it offered fewer deals to customers.
The largest U.S. car company says it sold just over 221,000 vehicles last month, led by smaller, more fuel-efficient models.
GM blamed the drop mainly on a decision to cut sales to rental car companies by 16 percent compared with a year earlier.
While sales to individual buyers rose 9 percent, the company did cut back on rebates and other incentives.
Sales were led by the new Chevrolet Cruze compact and Chevrolet Equinox crossover vehicle.
GM is the first major car company to report U.S. sales on Wednesday. Industry analysts expect overall U.S. sales to fall 4 percent from last May.
