GM US sales rose 18 percent in August

DETROIT - General Motors U.S. sales rose about 18 percent last month as fuel-efficient vehicles such as the Chevrolet Cruze U.S. buyer won.

But total turnover of the sector will be expected to be weak, because consumers are worried about the economy, and Hurricane Irene showrooms close last weekend.

"The 'new GM' is the progress that it promised." About the only August sales for models set negative characters on GM spreadsheet or soon replaced ", said car research site Edmunds senior analyst Michelle Krebs.

GM said it sold 218.479 cars and trucks in August. Each GM sold 10 cars was part of a Cruze, a new small sedan, the a top seller for the company since the beginning of the year. Cruze sale top 20,000 for the fifth straight month in August and the Compact is GM first strong product in this growing market. In the past, it had little success with small cars.

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Buyer, went for the Chevrolet Equinox and GMC terrain small crossovers.

Nissan Motor Co., sales rose by 19 percent small cars and medium-sized cars such as the new vice versa and allure sedan people bought.

Other automakers, can not tariff if they Thursday sales report. Industry analysts predicting only a small increase over a lackluster August last year.

Auto sales was a ray of hope for the U.S. economy-may, but sputtering, began in the summer such as consumer confidence waned and a Japan March earthquake caused lack of Honda and Toyota models. Then came a hurricane Irene, which last weekend close forced many East Coast traders in the month. Usually, buyers come to last weekend, lured by offers and advertising.

Before the storm, power sales of 1.07 million for the month was ahead j.d.. There is still much slower than early 2011 is 4 percent higher than August last year.

Still, improve sales could fall, when automakers of sweet deals and a wider range of models offer.

Cash-back deals, loans and other offers were scarce this summer due to the lack of the model. But they are back, such as Honda and Toyota in September and October replenish their partial Collections.

Toyota also starts selling its new Camry sedan in October, which could raise sales.

The industry remains cautious. The unemployment rate to 9 percent are food and clothing costs rise and consumer confidence fell to its lowest level for more than two years in August.

The associated press and Reuters contributed to this report.