Car manufacturers experienced tough trading conditions in US market in December as falling real estate values and the burgeoning price of gasoline combined to hit sales, new data reveals.

New figures from Autodata show that sales were down three per cent compared with the same month last year, a performance which nonetheless represents an 18 per cent rebound from November's sales figures.

However, even with this recovery, sales for the full year are down 2.5 per cent from $1,656 million to $1,615 million - taking them to their lowest level in over a decade.

The new data also revealed a change in which firms command the largest market share, with all three of the large US automakers surrendering sales to overseas competitors.

Domestic companies accounted for 51.1 per cent of all vehicles sold in the US during 2007 - the lowest share ever, according to Autodata.

Source:

As Expected, Ford Falls From 2nd Place in U.S. Sales, 04/01/08
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/04/business/04auto.html?ref=business

Toyota sales surge past Ford, 04/01/08
http://www.totallymotor.co.uk/news/manufacturer/toyota/toyota-sales-surge-past-ford-$1184889.htm

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