NATION : GM Sales Fall 24% in Late Nov.

General Motors Corp. said today that its car sales tumbled 24% in late November, leading a slide by all Big Three auto makers that has helped raise anxiety about a broader economic downturn.

GM, Ford Motor Co. and Chrysler Corp. said they sold North American-built vehicles at an average of 32,097 a day during the Nov. 21-31 period this year, 14% lower than the average during the same time last year.

The late-November sales shortfall this year continued a trend begun in the first 10-day selling period in October, just as the 1990 model year officially began.

The vehicle sales reports are closely watched because they reflect broader trends in the economy, particularly the willingness of consumers to spend or borrow money for large purchases.

Ford said its vehicle sales during late November were 6.1% behind last year’s pace and Chrysler said its sales fell 15.7%.