U.S. auto sales declined about 5.7 pct. in May

June 3, 2002

DETROIT, Reuters reported that U.S. auto sales fell about 5.7 percent in May versus the same month a year ago, failing to meet forecasts as they hit their weakest pace of the year.

With all automakers but Isuzu Motors Corp. reporting results on Monday, May's sales ran at seasonally adjusted annual rate of about 15.6 million, lower than January's rate of 15.8 million. Analysts had predicted May's sales might hit 16.8 million.

Sales of cars built in the United States, Canada and Mexico fell 10.3 percent, while sales of domestic-built trucks fell 5.2 percent. Import car sales rose 4.8 percent, while import truck sales were up marginally.

Isuzu said it would report sales Tuesday.