General Motors Co, the world’s largest automaker, said first-quarter profit topped analysts’ estimates as the company sold more vehicles globally.

US car sales plunged 37% in November to their worst level in more than 26 years, dashing expectations that this dismal year for vehicle demand had found a bottom, and adding more ammunition to the Detroit carmakers’ case for a congressional lifeline.

GENERAL MOTORS, the world’s largest carmaker, yesterday said it lost $1.1 billion (€800m) in the first quarter, clobbered by rising healthcare costs, lukewarm response to some new models and special charges.