U.S. Auto Sales Slow on Deferred Purchases, Toyota Inventory

U.S. auto sales in June ran at the slowest pace in 12 months, as small-car supply dwindled, Toyota Motor Corp.’s inventory thinned and consumers deferred purchases amid a slowing economic recovery.

General Motors Co. and Ford Motor Co. said U.S. sales rose 10 percent in June, missing the average estimate of seven analysts surveyed by Bloomberg. Toyota and Honda Motor Co. deliveries each fell 21 percent, more than analysts estimated. Nissan Motor Co. recorded an 11 percent gain, less than projected, while Chrysler Group LLC sales topped forecasts.