Auto sales hit new lows; GM sales plunge 41 pct

MyWay ^ | 2 Dec 08 | BREE FOWLER

[SkyPilot]

NEW YORK (AP) - General Motors' November U.S. sales plunged 41 percent, while Ford's dropped 31 percent, dashing hopes that the industrywide drop in vehicle demand might be easing as Detroit's automakers prepare to state their second case for a federal bailout.

Their overseas rivals posted abismal (???) results as well. Toyota's November sales tumbled 34 percent, and Honda's fell 32 percent.

A dreary economy, swooning consumer confidence and tight credit markets have combined to keep consumers out of vehicle showrooms this year. On Monday, the National Bureau of Economic Research said the U.S. entered a recession in December 2007, much earlier than most predictions.

[SkyPilot]

Sad news for auto makers. Glad to hear the unions are finally even considering concessions. A little late.

Also, this reporter "Bree Fowler" (Brie?) and her Editor need spel chek.

"abismal"

[Spktyr]

Someone sent for Abis Mal?

[backhoe]

For whatever it's worth, I started out as a mechanic & machinist decades ago- and if you gave me a carte blanche, to buy any make or model of car or truck?

Detroit's stuff would be dead last.

My first choice, just for driving around, would be something Japanese- they make a good product.

[JDoutrider]

They ain't seen Nothing yet!

The next six months are going to be horrendous for them...

[Spktyr]

From the article: “Detroit-based General Motors Corp. (GM) (GM) reported a 44 percent drop in demand for cars, while light truck sales dropped 39 percent.”

Hmm, sooooo... where are all these “surging truck and SUV sales” that certain Freepers were pointing out as “evidence” that Americans didn’t want small cars, again?

[DB]

This thing is just getting started.

They better start cutting expenses rapidly or disappear.

I don’t know about other people, but I’d think twice before buying a car from a company that may not be around to honor the warranty in few years...

[seoul62]

With all the government handouts being tossed about, say they wanted to help the auto industry and gave everyone a Cadillac-Hybrid Escalade, would you take it?/Just Asking - seoul62......

[zarodinu]

Automakers need to make better more fuel efficient cars. Unions need to stuff it unless they want all the jobs to go to Mexico. Most importantly, the government needs to stop bailing out any company that asks for a handout.

[backhoe]

Sure, I'd take a "free" Escalade- and drive it 'til it quit.

Then get a riceburner...

[Dr. Scarpetta]

For whatever it's worth, I started out as a mechanic & machinist decades ago- and if you gave me a carte blanche, to buy any make or model of car or truck? Detroit's stuff would be dead last.

I bought a 2008 Mercury Sable one year ago, and it's a great car. I recommend it to anyone.

[mylife]

But are sales of mopeds up?

[backhoe]

I bought a 2008 Mercury Sable one year ago, and it's a great car. I recommend it to anyone.

I appreciate that information- thank you.

[wolfcreek]

What about this Japanese/American made truck?

[Dr. Scarpetta]

2008 Mercury Sable

[Spktyr]

Erm, the jury’s still out on that one. The predecessor on that platform, the Five Hundred/Montego had problems, most of which started at around 15-30K. I do hope you bought the extended warranty.

[mylife]

If consumer confidence is so low. Why are people crushing people at Christmas sales to buy McCrap?

[Spktyr]

Those Rangers are made in Minnesota.

Frame from 1982 (and wasn’t that great to start with), engine from 1974 or 1986, body from 1998. Yeah, I’ll pass.

[Spktyr]

Consumer confidence in the Big Three is low, anyway....

[Dr. Scarpetta]

We also have a 2005 Ford 150 4 door truck and have had no problems with it. Everyone admires it, and it’s a pleasure to own.

[Spktyr]

Hope you have fire extinguishers on it.