Reply #5: Automakers post lower US sales, Toyota gains [View All]

DETROIT (Reuters) - U.S. automakers posted lower December sales on Wednesday, capping a tumultuous year in which Detroit's Big Three struggled to come to terms with changing consumer tastes prompted by high gas prices.

In sharp contrast, Japan's Toyota Motor Corp. (7203.T) -- which is poised to unseat General Motors Corp. (DCXGn.DE) as the world's largest automaker -- posted an 8.2 percent increase in December sales and grabbed more market share from U.S. automakers last month.

Toyota, including its Lexus and Scion brands, outsold DaimlerChrysler AG's Chrysler in December and its U.S. market share of 13.3 percent last year puts it well within striking distance of Chrysler's 13.6 percent.

General Motors and Ford Motor Co.(NYSE:F - news), each facing a deepening financial crisis, said December sales were down 10.2 percent and 8.7 percent, respectively, with steep declines in SUV sales. Demand at the two automakers was down for the year, too.

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