Automotive News : Detroit Automakers Outsold by Foreign Brands in the U.S.

Automotive News : Detroit Automakers Outsold by Foreign Brands in the U.S.

Just 30 years ago, Detroit automakers controlled 84 percent of the U.S. market. But foreign auto companies surged past the domestics for the first time ever in July, commanding 51.9 percent of the market, according to Edmunds' Auto Observer.

Detroit brands, including Ford, the Chrysler Group and General Motors, captured only 48.1 percent of the American light vehicle market last month. A year ago, Detroit companies held 52 percent of the U.S. market.

Several factors are conspiring to erode Detroit's share. Rising gas prices have hampered sales of Detroit's big pickups and SUVs. At the same time, Japanese producers have been quick to market smaller, more fuel-efficient crossover vehicles. Detroit automakers have also voluntarily cut back on unprofitable sales to rental-car agencies and have cut back on sales incentives.