Germany's major automakers have experienced their first combined fall in American sales since December 2001.

BMW, Mercedes and Volkswagen all suffered a loss in sales during April, with analysts pinpointing the weakness of the dollar against the euro as a possible reason.

However, whilst BMW sales fell by ten per cent and Mercedes by 6.8 per cent, all three companies insisted the conflict in Iraq had not resulted in direct consumer action.

'As far as the attitude about German products, we've received a few letters and e-mails, but not as many as some people might think. I would say about 50 or 60,' explained VW spokesman Tony Fouladpour to Reuters.

Even the American luxury car sector, in which BMW and Mercedes had been two of the fastest growing brands until last month, saw a drop in sales in April.