Ford US sales slid 15 percent in July

0 Comments | AFP, August, 2008

CHICAGO (AFP) — Ford Motor Co. said Friday its US sales slid 14.9 percent in July compared with a year ago as sport-utility vehicles (SUVs) and truck sales slumped amid high fuel prices.

The country's second-largest automaker predicted that ongoing tough conditions in the domestic auto market would only get worse.

"We expect the second half of 2008 will be more challenging than the first half as economic and credit conditions weaken," said Jim Farley, Ford group vice president.

Ford said year-to-date sales totaled 1.265 million, down 14.4 percent from the same period a year ago.

It estimated industry-wide sales were down 11 percent in the first half of 2008.

Weak consumer confidence, rising unemployment and surging fuel prices have produced a...