U.S. Auto Sales Plunge 17.8%

Led by poor sales at Chrysler, domestic auto sales dove 17.8% in the first 10 days of February, the auto industry reported Tuesday.

Auto analysts said the period’s slumping sales may indicate an overall slowdown in the auto market.

“I’m not too surprised,” said Cynthia Certo, an auto analyst with Integrated Automotive Resources, an automotive research firm in Wayne, Pa. “General Motors, Ford and Chrysler are all suffering, with Chrysler’s sales down the most.”

Analysts suggested that something may be needed to shake up the market. “I think the companies are going to have to come out with more incentives or cut production,” auto analyst Michael Luckey of Luckey Consulting Group told Associated Press.

AUTO SALES

Feb. 1-10 % 10-Day 1989 change GM 75,191 -23.0 Ford 50,014 -9.5 Chrysler 19,804 -30.9 Honda U.S. 8,447 +17.2 ToyotaU.S. 1,890 +178.4 Nissan U.S. 1,489 +27.4 Mazda U.S. 656 +86.9 Mitsubishi U.S. 358 -- TOTAL 157,849 -17.8

There were nine selling days in the selling period this year and last year.