S car sales fell 14 per cent to their lowest annual rate in a decade last month as weak consumer confidence and rising gas prices hit the industry's most profitable vehicles hardest.

General Motors Corporation, Ford Motor Company and Chrysler posted deeper sales declines than expected, led by a sharp drop in trucks and SUVs. GM sales fell 23pc, Ford 19pc, and Chrysler nearly 30pc, the car makers said.

Asian competitors also struggled, with Toyota Motor Corporation posting a 5pc decline, and Nissan Motor Co sales dropping almost 2pc.