Car Sales Surge In United States

VOA Breaking News (Voice of America)
April 1, 2011 at 9:10 pm

Auto sales surged in the United States in March, as a recovering economy helped consumers buy cars.

The increase in sales over the same month a year ago also was driven by customers seeking smaller and more fuel efficient cars to cope with rising fuel prices. Gasoline prices have risen back to around 94 U.S. cents a liter, which is high by American standards.

Ford's sales were up 19 percent from March 2010, outselling rival General Motors for only the second time in 13 years.

GM's sales also rose, posting a nearly 10 percent gain.

Honda gained 21 percent while Nissan, Chrysler and Korean carmaker Hyundai all posted gains around 30 percent.

Kia moved nearly 45 percent higher while Toyota sales fell by more than 9 percent.