The US is continuing to experience a slowdown in its car market, with experts expecting September to show a continued decline in sales.

Detroit's three largest car makers, DaimlerChrysler, General Motors (GM) and Ford, have all suffered following the summer months and analysts are predicting that overall sales could fall below 16 million units for the first time in 14 months.

It had looked as though the industry could be back on track in the US, with sales picking up for all three companies during the summer, but a recent return to the slower sales seen earlier in the year looks to be on the cards thanks to a dip in consumer interest and falling inventories.

Speaking at Chrysler's headquarters, senior vice president of sales Gary Dilts stated: "It has not been that great a month in Detroit and in the car business."

According to Dow Jones, that assessment is being echoed across the US car industry, with industry analyst Haig Stoddard claiming sales for September will only reach 15.9 million cars.

Continued uncertainty in the oil market, leading to high prices in the petrol industry, is being blamed for consumers deciding to stay away, although the diesel industry has seen some benefit as a result.

However, the increase in diesel sales has not been enough to offset the slump in sales across the car industry.


Ÿ Adfero Ltd