Auto Sales Among the leading auto manufacturers, Detroit-based General Motors Company's GM first-quarter 2019 vehicle sales declined 7% from the prior-year quarter. Consistent sturdy demand for trucks and SUVs partly compensated the sales decline for new cars. Ford Motor Company F sales declined 2% on a year-over-year basis. What Lies Ahead In a bid to win a solid market share and capitalize on robust truck demand, auto giants are flooding the market with redesigned and efficient versions of pickup trucks.