Slowdown in U.S. Auto Sales Expected

U.S. car and light-truck sales are expected to have risen 0.6% in May, the lowest growth rate since November, predict analysts, who say the slowdown results more from a comparison with the discount-driven sales of May 1998 than any easing of consumer demand.

May sales at General Motors Corp., the world’s largest auto maker, fell an estimated 3.9%, based on the average of four analysts’ forecasts. DaimlerChrysler’s Chrysler sales probably climbed less than 1%, while Ford Motor Co.’s rose an estimated 1.4%.

Cars and trucks sold at an estimated annual rate of 16.6 million in May, building on the 16.3 million pace that exceeded forecasts in the year’s first four months. The hunger for new cars and trucks is fostered by rising wages and a jobless rate hovering near a 29-year low.

GM, Ford, DaimlerChrysler and major Japanese-based auto makers are scheduled to announce May sales today.