Data released yesterday, May 1, confirm earlier indications that sky-high gasoline prices are finally beginning to have a distinct impact on consumer behavior. Total U.S. auto sales in April were at their lowest level in 15 years, with sales of SUVs down drastically but subcompacts like Chevrolet’s Malibu up 43 percent and Ford’s Focus up 32 percent. Sales of Toyota’s hybrid, the Prius, climbed 54 percent—the biggest increase among the 15 most popular vehicles highlighted by The New York Times.
The U.S. big three manufacturers all registered double-digit sales declines, while Honda, Nissan, and Toyota came close to holding sales flat.
