United States auto sales are down about 6 percent so far this year from last year's levels.

Auto sales were up 17.9 percent in the 12-month period.

The current record for auto sales, 16.3 million, was set in 1986.

Over all, auto sales were up slightly less than 1 percent for the month.

Despite the gain, auto sales were still 4.9 percent lower than last year.

European auto sales were down 17.9 percent in May, compared with the month a year earlier.

August and September were among the best months ever for auto sales.

Without strong economic growth, the outlook for auto sales is not good.

So far, June looks to be a slow month for auto sales generally.

This month, domestic auto sales have been running at an annual rate of around 6.5 million.