U.S. auto sales declined in first quarter as Toyota outsold GM

U.S. automakers this month reported a decline in first-quarter domestic sales, as the entire industry was affected by chip shortages and supply chains disruptions.

Toyota, which in 2021 surpassed General Motors (GM) as the top-selling automaker in the United States, outsold the automaker in the first quarter on increased demand for its Lexus hybrid and electric automobiles.

Hyundai Motor, Kia Motors, and Mazda Motor have all posted a decline in overall U.S. quarterly auto sales. Hyundai said electrified vehicle retail sales increased 241% in the January-March period from a year ago.

GM said its quarterly sales declined 20.1% to 512,846 vehicles.

The new-vehicle sales in the US during March finished at 1.25 million, with an annual sales rate of 13.33 million.