Auto sales dimmed by soft economy, housing woes

WASHINGTON (AFP) — US auto sales were stuck in low gear in November as soft economic conditions and worries about a housing maelstrom kept consumers cautious.

Total light vehicle sales fell 1.6 percent last month from a year earlier to 1.179 million, according to an estimate by research firm Autodata.

"There are a number of headwinds in the car markets," said David Healy at Burnham Securities, citing the credit and housing woes hitting the US economy.

"Auto credit is available but a a lot people are stressed with the subprime housing situation, and that's putting a chill on the car market. Higher gasoline prices are a factor as well."

General Motors Corp., the leading US auto maker, said domestic new car sales skidded 11 percent in November, citing soft demand and a reduction in daily rental sales.

GM said it sold 263,654 vehicles in the United States, ...