Hyundai only major automaker to increase sales in September

All major automakers reported substantial declines in US sales for the month of September, except for Hyundai, whose sales were up 27 percent. General Motors was down 45 percent, Chrysler down 42 percent and Ford down 5 percent. Honda dropped 20 percent, 13 percent at Toyota and 7 percent at Nissan.

This comes after the spurt in sales caused by the popular cash-for-clunkers program that moved about 700,000 cars out of showrooms in July and August. With inventories depleted, GM, Ford and other automakers are increasing production and calling back some laid off workers. Sales are expected to improve for the rest of the year, though 2010 is not expected to be significantly better than 2009. To the end of August, total auto sales were down 28% in 2009.