September Auto Sales Skid (Update)

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 vehicles, with a steep drop coming in sports utility vehicles. Analysts had expected Ford to report a 25% decline in auto sales.

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. ...