The latest auto sales figures have triggered a flurry of negative headlines of the-boom-is-over variety. Sales fell 4.7% in April, which is the fourth straight month of declines and the first time we've had such a streak since 2009, reports the AP. Barring an unexpected surge, the US is on track for a drop in annual sales—the end of a seven-year streak of increases. But given that last year's mark of 17.5 million was a record, there's also a widespread sentiment that a dip isn't that unusual and no cause for alarm. Related coverage:
- A post at Bloomberg pins a good deal of the blame on Chrysler's new Pacifica minivan and the trend it represents. A top-of-the-line model will set you back about $50,000, and the story makes the case that sticker shock is finally taking a toll on families hunting for new wheels.