U.S. Auto Sales Fall Big In November As Expected

Detroit, MI (AHN) - U.S. auto sales fell drastically in November with Ford, Toyota, and Honda reporting declines of more than 30 percent as consumers were hesitant to buy while the big three automakers seek government aid.

Ford Motor Co., which presented the government with its turnaround plan on Tuesday, reported a 31 percent decline in November U.S. auto sales. The automaker sold 123,222 vehicles, compared to 177,485 vehicles in November of last year.

Ford said sales of light trucks fell 29 percent, slightly better than the 32 percent drop in car sales.

General Motors said sales fell 41 percent in November. Sales of its Hummer brand were hit hardest, down 64 percent. The automakers Chevrolet brand held up best with a 37 percent decline.

Toyota's U.S. sales dropped 34 percent to 130,307 vehicles from 197,189 last year. The company's truck sales were weakest, falling 36 percent while car sales fell 32 percent.

Toyota offered zero percent financing on 12 of its models throughout November, but the move did little to stimulate demand.

Honda Motor Corp. reported a 31.6 percent decline in sales to 76,233 vehicles, down from 111,431 last year.

The November sales decline for the auto industry marks the 13th straight monthly drop, the largest string of decline in 17 years.