Ford, GM Say May Sales Dip

Two of the biggest U.S. automakers said that May auto sales were hit by higher gas costs.

Ford Fusions parked on the lot at the Serramonte Ford dealership in Colma, California. Fusion sales were strong despite an overall dip in May auto sales. David Paul Morris/Getty Images

NEW YORK—Two of the biggest U.S. automakers said that May auto sales were hit by higher gas costs as both Ford and General Motors reported sagging auto sales last month.

GM, the biggest U.S. automaker, reported that its May auto sales fell 1.2 percent compared to last year, to 221,192 vehicles. Its biggest declines were experienced by the Cadillac luxury brand, whose sales fell a staggering 5.7 percent. Chevrolet also saw its sales tumble 3.5 percent last month.

Although GM said that sales to individuals increased by 9 percent, its fleet sales—to car rental agencies and taxi cab companies—dropped 21 percent in the month. The company also cut promotions and rebates.

GM’s biggest seller was the new compact Chevy Cruze, which sold 22,711 units in the United States.

The Dearborn, Mich.-based Ford Motor Co. reported that May sales were relatively flat, down 151 vehicles from May of last year.

Ford said that its sales to individuals also increased by 9 percent, sales of its pickup trucks were disappointing—falling by 11 percent—due to higher gasoline costs across the country. Sales of the F-Series pickup trucks fell 15 percent.

Not surprisingly, Ford’s top models were its small cars—the Ford Fiesta and the Ford Focus, as well as the midsize Ford Fusion.