Ford's Monthly Auto Sales Plunge

Auto sales continued their downward spiral in September, as consumers struggled with both high gas prices and tightening credit conditions.

Ford (F Quote) said Wednesday that total vehicle sales fell 33.8% last month to 116,734 units, with a steep drop coming in sports utility vehicles. Ford said that September marked the lowest sales month for the automaker this year. September had 24 selling days, one less than the same month a year ago.

"Consumers and businesses are in a very fragile place," said Jim Farley, Ford group vice president of marketing and communications. "An already weak economy compounded by very tight credit conditions has created an atmosphere of caution." ...