Chrysler Sales Plummet 53%

Auburn Hills, Mich. -- Chrysler says its December U.S. sales plunged 53%, blaming a tough economy with driving customers from showrooms.

Chrysler sold a total of 89,813 vehicles compared with 191,423 in the same month last year. Despite the drop, the month's sales were up about 5% from November levels.

The Auburn Hills, Mich.-based company said car sales tumbled 59%, while truck sales tumbled 51%.

For the full year 2008, Chrysler said its sales slid 30% to 1.45 million vehicles.