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Auto sales in March and first quarter down nearly across the board

Nearly every major automaker reported weak U.S. sales for March and the first quarter of 2019, citing a rough start to the year, but said a robust economy and strong labor market should encourage consumers to buy more vehicles as 2019 rolls on. GM, which no longer releases monthly sales figures, saw first-quarter sales fall 7 percent, with declines across all brands. Sales of Silverado pickup trucks fell nearly 16 percent and the high-margin Chevy Suburban large SUV dropped 25 percent. Ford also no longer releases monthly sales numbers, but is due to release its first-quarter sales figures on Thursday. According to industry data, Ford's sales fell 2 percent in the quarter and 5 percent in March. Ford representatives did not immediately respond to requests for comment. FCA reported a 7 percent fall in U.S. sales in March and a 3 percent drop for the first quarter. All of FCA's brands dropped in March, except for Ram, which saw a 15 percent increase in pickup truck sales. "The industry had a tough first quarter, but with spring finally starting to show its face and continued strong economic indicators ... we are confident that new vehicle sales demand will strengthen going forward," FCA's U.S. head of sales, Reid Bigland, said in a statement. Toyota reported a 3.5 percent fall in U.S. sales in March and 5 percent for the first quarter, hurt by declining demand for its Corolla sedans and Camry vehicles. "While some of our competitors are abandoning sedans, we remain optimistic about the future of the segment," Toyota said in a statement. Nissan posted a 5.3 percent drop in sales in March, and its first-quarter sales were down 11.6 percent. Honda and Hyundai bucked the trend. Honda's U.S. sales rose 4.3 percent in March and 2 percent in the quarter, while Hyundai's were up 1.7 percent and 2.1 percent, respectively. Passenger-car sales suffered throughout the January-March quarter compared with the same period in 2018 as Americans continued to abandon them in favor of larger, more comfortable pickup trucks and SUVs, which are far more profitable for automakers. The battle for market share in the particularly lucrative large-pickup truck market intensified in the quarter, as Fiat Chrysler Automobiles' Ram brand outsold the U.S.' No. 1 automaker General Motors' Chevrolet-brand trucks. The two automakers have both launched redesigned pickup trucks.

Chrysler recalling 280k Dodge Ram 1500 pickups over axle seizures

Following a June investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles will be recalling 280,000 Dodge Ram pickups from model year 2005. The issue, NHTSA told The Detroit News, centered on a loose pinion nut, which could cause the rear axle to seize and, potentially, the driveshaft to detach. The affected vehicles were built between January of 2004 and August of 2005, while of the 280,000 trucks, only 257,000 were sold in the US market. According to The News, the recall will begin on February 13, and will see owners report to dealerships to have "a retention feature" added to the pinion nut.

Ram Rebel X Concept wishes it could go offroad at SEMA [w/video]

Given the truck's defiant spirit, the Ram 1500 Rebel simply can't appear subdued. For the Rebel X Concept at the SEMA Show, Mopar goes all out to make the already tough looking pickup even more brash. The Rebel X certainly stands out in the vast ocean of customs at SEMA with its orange-tinted Copper paint. Thanks to 35-inch Toyo tires on 17-inch beadlock wheels underneath flared fenders, there's also no question that this truck wants to be offroad. In addition to the vibrant body, the front end wears black trim, and a concept, two-piece skid plate underneath offers a little visual contrast. The interior actually tones down the bold look slightly by combining black leather seats with Rebel X embroidery and Copper stitching. Rather than being just about style, Mopar beefs up the 5.7-liter V8 with a cold-air intake and cat-back exhaust. The division also tweaks the suspension by fitting a concept, air-ride setup. Get a better look at the Rebel X by checking out our gallery from SEMA above or the video below of the modded pickup at the show. Related Video: Ram Rebel X The Ram 1500 Rebel makes a statement by itself. Mopar helps proclaim its all-terrain credentials even louder with the Ram Rebel X, a full-size pickup outfitted with a catalog of production parts and accessories. The unique dark Copper exterior extends to the functional sport performance hood, accented with a Matte Black graphic trimmed with a Mopar Blue tracer. Mopar wheel flares extend over the 35-inch Toyo tires, which wrap around 17-inch cast-aluminum beadlock wheels that equip the 1500 Rebel for rumbles over off-road terrain. Painted functional beadlock rings with fasteners are also featured on the beadlock wheels, with Mopar center caps providing another highlight to the rims. The front features the distinctive Rebel grille with the RAM logo painted in Satin Black and a concept two-piece skid plate. The bed is stylishly secured with a soft tri-fold tonneau cover, and a Mopar dual exhaust bed step helps reach tools or equipment stored in the rear. Black tubular side steps provide a lift into the interior, which features prototype Katzkin leather seats embroidered with the Rebel X name outlined in silver in a black field, with a blue field for the "X." Copper stitching accents the armrest and steering wheel. Additional features inside include all-weather slush mats, a pedal kit and door sills.