U.S. auto sales top expectations

DETROIT — U.S. auto sales were stronger than expected in May, boosted by Memorial Day promotions and strong demand for new SUVs.

Sales rose 2 percent over last May to more than 1.64 million cars and trucks, their fastest pace since July 2005, according to Autodata Corp.

Subaru led automakers with a 12 percent sales gain. General Motors’ sales rose 3 percent, Fiat Chrysler was up 4 percent and Honda rose 1 percent.

Honda sold more than 6,300 HR-V small SUVs in the first two weeks it was on sale. Sales of the GMC Acadia SUV jumped 67 percent, while sales of the Jeep Cherokee were up 23 percent. Sales of Subaru’s XV Crosstrek small SUV jumped 36 percent.

Long-struggling Volkswagen surprised with an 8 percent sales gain thanks to its new Golf. Ford’s sales fell 1 percent. Nissan and Toyota said sales were flat, while Hyundai’s sales fell 10 percent.

May is typically one of the biggest sales months of the year, as buyers flush with tax returns look forward to summer road trips. Last May, sales jumped 11 percent to just over 1.61 million.

Enrollment numbers fall

WASHINGTON — Nationwide enrollment in health plans provided through the Affordable Care Act slipped to 10.2 million in March as consumers dropped coverage or failed to pay premiums on policies they selected, the Obama administration announced Tuesday.

That is down from 11.7 million sign-ups recorded in February when the 2015 enrollment period closed.

The tally still represents growth over 2014, when 6.3 million people were enrolled in health plans at the end of the year, according to updated 2014 figures also released Tuesday.

Ride-sharing firms can work at airport

IMPERIAL — Allegheny County Airport Authority officials have approved a policy that lets ride-sharing companies pick up passengers at Pittsburgh International Airport.

Until now, companies like Uber, Lyft and Yellow Z have been allowed to take passengers to the airport but not pick them up.

But County Executive Rich Fitzgerald announced the new policy Tuesday and says Uber has received the first permit.

From combined wire services