GM Takes $3.3 Billion First-Quarter Loss

General Motors Corp. reported a $3.3 billion first-quarter loss, due in part to a weak U.S. market, a strike at a major parts supplier and plummeting sales of sport utility vehicles and pickup trucks, the Associated Press reported Wednesday.

The largest U.S. automaker also cut its industrywide U.S. sales outlook for the year. The company said earlier this week it was cutting production of some of its slow-selling trucks and SUVs, AP said.

GM’s loss equaled $5.74 per share and also reflected one-time charges, AP said. It compared with a profit of $62 million, or 11 cents per share, in the first quarter of 2007.

The company said a two-month strike at American Axle and Manufacturing Holdings cost it $800 million and 100,000 vehicles. The strike has affected 30 GM plants, AP reported.

GM revised its U.S. sales outlook for the year, saying it now expects total U.S. sales in the high 15 million range, down from the low 16-million range at the beginning of this year, AP said.