Automakers embraced the latest numbers, given the slowing economy and what they considered unfair comparisons to March 2000, when nearly all major automakers reported sales gains in what became a record sales year. General Motors Corp. reported a 5 percent dip in its sales for last month. Ford Motor Co. said its sales tumbled 13 percent, and DaimlerChrysler AG's Chrysler unit posted a 10 percent drop. Some foreign automakers fared better, with Asian players posting an 8 percent gain in U.S. sales last month, led by Toyota's 11 percent gain. U.S. sales by European automakers rose 1 percent, paced by BMW's 5 percent increase and Mercedes-Benz's 3 percent rise.
Analysts widely expect softness in U.S. auto sales to continue at least into midyear.
U.S. automakers have expected this year's domestic sales to come in between 16 million and 16.5 million units, well off last year's record 17.4 million, but still considered acceptable given the softening market. Results for GM, Ford and DaimlerChrysler do not include sales from their foreign brands.