US carmakers suffer drop in sales

US carmakers have been hit by further falls in sales, with the big names racking up double-digit declines.

Rising fuel costs and interest rates have led consumers to opt for smaller, more fuel efficient vehicles – delivering a boost to Asian carmakers.
So-called “gas guzzling” sports utility vehicle sales were down almost 45% while retail sales for its mid-sized saloon cars – the Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan and Lincoln Zephyr – rose 18%.