General Motors Corp. and Ford Motor Co., the two leading U.S. automakers said sales in April fell 16 percent and 12 percent respectively as high gasoline prices lower demand for trucks.

GM sold 257,638 cars and light trucks in April, down from 307,554 in the same month a year ago. Light truck sales fell 27 percent to 136,814. Car sales were nearly flat, dropping 0.2 percent to 120,824.

Ford sold 200,727 vehicles in April compared to 227,4141 a year ago.

Total Ford truck sales fell 18 percent to 106,459. Car sales were down 1 percent to 79,913.

Ford F-Series pickup sales fell 25 percent while sales of GM rival Chevrolet Silverado were down 20.8 percent.

Meanwhile, sales of Ford's economic Focus model rose 88 percent. Ford has said it will boost its focus production by 30 percent this year to meet demand. Truck and SUV sales at Ford fell 18 percent to 106,459.

GM's car sales were led by the Cobalt and Malibu models, which rose 25 percent and 39.5 percent, respectively.

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