Ford August sales skid 26 percent

0 Comments | AFP, September, 2008

CHICAGO (AFP) — Ford Motor Co. said Wednesday its August US sales slid 26.6 percent from a year ago, citing a "weak economy" and sluggish demand for large trucks and sport utility vehicles.

The number two US automaker said it sold 155,690 vehicles from its domestic nameplates and the Volvo brand, down 26.6 percent from the same month last year.

Ford cited "higher demand" for fuel-efficient small cars and SUVs but this was offset by other factors.

"The impact of a weak economy and lower demand for large trucks and SUVs resulted in double-digit sales declines for Ford and the auto industry," the company said.

"We expect the second half of 2008 will be more challenging than the first half, as weak economic conditions and the consumer credit crunch...