Gas Prices at $4 a Gallon Stir Anxiety in Already Slowing Car Market

A number of major automakers reported lower US sales to start 2026, a comedown from the spike in demand a year ago as rising gas prices begin to pressure the car market.

General Motors Co.’s first-quarter sales fell by 9.7%, with its Cadillac Escalade and Chevrolet Suburban large SUVs tumbling by double digits. Sales in March were down 17%, the company said.