American automakers have responded to figures released today that suggest demand may be weakening, by sticking to predictions of an upturn in the industry.

A host of major automotive manufacturers today made clear that that while the figures have registered a dip, they are not enough to convince them that a recovery is a distant prospect.

Paul Ballew, General Motors' executive director for market and industry analysis, has been among those seeking to explain.

'It's certainly not enough to dissuade us in our increasing optimism regarding the direction of the economy and the impact that will have on the industry,' he told Associated Press.

Elsewhere other manufacturers pointed to an upturn in sales in specific markets, arguing that growth was still present.

Jed Connelley, Nissan's senior vice president of US sales and marketing, said that the company's new products are 'kicking in and adding volume'.

Another heavyweight, Ford, added its voice to the statements of defiant optimism.

'The economy is sprinting, and consumer fundamentals remain favourable,' said Jim O'Connor, Ford's group vice president for North American marketing, sales and service.

Earlier today figures from the major automotive firms showed a 1.5 per cent decline for the year to date, marking a fall from the corresponding figures for October 2002.