SAN FRANCISCO — Ford Motor Co., the only domestic automaker not in the throes of bankruptcy, carved out market-share gains in May despite its 24.2 percent drop as the drone of U.S. car sale declines continued Tuesday.

The Japanese trio, led by Toyota, was hit even harder, while General Motors reported a 29 percent retreat that outperformed analyst targets a day after the automaker finally filed for Chapter 11.

“We were able to record our best monthly sales result of the year in May as we are seeing more positive signs in housing and consumer confidence in the market,” Mark LaNeve, head of GM’s sales and marketing division, said.

“Those signs, along with more clarity on the new GM, are providing some additional consumer confidence,” he added.

GM posted sales of 190,881 vehicles, down from 268,892 a year ago. Car sales fell 37.7 percent to 81,009 while light trucks slipped 20.8 percent to 109,872. It also affirmed its second-quarter production target of 390,000 vehicles, down about 53 percent from a year ago.

Chrysler posted the biggest declines of all major automakers, with sales down 47 percent to 79,010 vehicles from 148,747 a year ago. That represents a small improvement from the prior month, however, as the company seems to be moving quickly through the bankruptcy process.

Chrysler brand sales fell 51 percent to 15,987 units, Jeep brands sales declined 40 percent to 21,624 vehicles, and Dodge brand sales fell 48 percent to 41,399 vehicles. Chrysler total U.S. car sales fell 57 percent to 18,046 units and truck sales declined 43 percent to 60,964 unit.

“The uncertainty that has been surrounding Chrysler for the last few months is coming to an end, and a vibrant, new company is beginning to take shape,” Chrysler Vice Chairman and President Jim Press said.

Ford said last month’s sales boosted Ford, Lincoln and Mercury brands to their biggest share of the U.S. market since 2006.