Chrysler sales plummet 53 percent

Chrysler says its December U.S. sales plunged 53 percent, 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 percent from November levels.

The Auburn Hills, Mich.-based company said car sales tumbled 59 percent, while truck sales tumbled 51 percent. For the full year 2008, Chrysler said its sales slid 30 percent to 1.45 million vehicles.