U.S. Auto Sales Slide In August

Vehicle sales in the U.S. slipped nearly 2 percent last month as the domestic market continues to lag last year's record pace.

Data compiled by The Wall Street Journal from motorintelligence.com showed that despite one additional selling day last month compared to August 2016, automakers sold 1.48 million vehicles compared to the 1.51 million sold last August.

The sluggish numbers also came despite strong performances from the top domestic and foreign automakers in the U.S. market.

General Motors reported monthly sales that were up 7.5 percent compared to August 2016, including an increase of more than 4 percent in the retail segment. Company officials said that strong crossover sales helped each of its four brands, although double-digit increases in the Chevrolet and GMC labels were dented by declines in Buick and Cadillac sales.

Toyota, meanwhile, reported a 6.8 percent sales increase amid continued growth in light trucks.

Sales were slower, however, among the other top automakers in the U.S. Ford and Honda reported modest sales declines of just more than 2 percent, while Fiat Chrysler and Nissan slipped by 11 percent and 13 percent, respectively.

Those six companies comprised more than 75 percent of the U.S. auto market in August, according to The Wall Street Journal.

Although vehicle sales were expected to remain sluggish, the Associated Press noted that Hurricane Harvey particularly curbed demand for new vehicles late last month. People replacing their flooded vehicles, however, could boost the car market in coming weeks, the report suggested.