Investing.com -- US auto sales in April reached a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 16.1 million units, slightly above the consensus estimate of 16.0 million units, according to Morgan Stanley. Sales declined 6% year-over-year and 2% month-over-month.

The year-over-year decline comes against a challenging comparison period, as April 2025 saw elevated demand driven by tariff-related purchasing activity. The market showed a continued shift in consumer preference toward light trucks over passenger cars.

Hybrid vehicle sales, including both traditional hybrids and plug-in hybrids, increased 8% year-over-year amid rising gasoline prices. Hybrid sales exceeded battery electric vehicle sales by a factor of 3.0. Battery electric vehicle sales fell 22% year-over-year, with market penetration dropping to 5.7% from 6.0% last month and 6.9% in April 2025.

Stellantis gained market share year-over-year, reaching 7.9%, up 63 basis points, though declining 92 basis points month-over-month. The automaker's light truck segment grew 4% year-over-year, capturing 7.8% market share compared with 7.1% last year. Stellantis faces a UAW strike vote scheduled for May 7-8.

General Motors' market share declined 125 basis points to 17.0%, while Ford's share fell 135 basis points to 12.9%. Asian automakers collectively held 50% market share, up from the prior year.

Among European brands, Volkswagen captured 3.0% market share, up 17 basis points year-over-year, with Audi at 0.9%, down 9 basis points. Mercedes-Benz held steady at 2.0%, up 27 basis points year-over-year, while BMW reached 2.6%, up 33 basis points. Porsche remained flat at 0.42%, down 1 percentage point year-over-year.

Market inventories increased to 51 days from 48 days last month and 46 days in April 2025. Stellantis inventories rose to 347,000 units, representing 83 days of supply compared with 69 days last month and 67 days last year.