High prices, interest rates push 1Q US auto sales down 2%

DETROIT (AP) — Automobile sales in the U.S. fell 2% in the first quarter, another sign the nation’s economy is starting to slow.
Automakers sold just over 4 million vehicles from January through March. Industry analysts blame the drop on rising vehicle prices, competition from late-model used vehicles, and relatively high interest rates. Weak sales of cars, harsh winter weather and the partial government shutdown also had an impact.
Edmunds.com analyst Jeremy Acevedo says new vehicle