SUV

Automobile sales in the United States fell in June as high gasolineprices kept consumers away from trucks and sports utility vehicles thatrequire a lot of fuel.

U.S.-based General Motors, the world'slargest carmaker, Tuesday announced sales fell more than 18 percent inJune from the same month last year.  GM's Japanese rival Toyotareports its sales fell more than 21 percent.

In a statement, GMsaid its truck market has been affected by the sudden rise in fuelprices. But, it says demand is continuing to grow for hybrid cars,which use less fuel than conventional vehicles because they combine agasoline engine with high-tech batteries and electric motors.

OnFriday, a major U.S. credit-rating service announced renewed concernsabout the top three American automakers, GM, Ford and Chrysler, due tothe industry-wide sales slump.