U.S. consumers are opting for foreign cars and trucks instead of domestic brands, according to a study released Tuesday by R.L. Polk & Co. Foreign brands took 52.9 percent of the retail auto market in the first half of 2006, up from a 49 percent market share in 2005, according to Polk.

The data was compiled by collecting new vehicle registrations in the first five months of 2006. The study revealed that there were 2.55 million new domestic vehicles versus the 2.86 million foreign vehicles. Fleet customers and rental car agencies where excluded from thestudy.