Dec. auto sales plummet Chrysler's December U.S. sales plunged by more than half, and it sold 30 percent fewer vehicles in 2008, dwarfing the steep declines at the other major automakers, as consumers remained uncertain about the economy and their jobs. Chrysler said Monday its December sales dropped 53 percent because of the recession and fewer fleet sales, while Toyota Motor Corp. reported a 37 percent slide, and Honda Motor Co. said its sales tumbled 35 percent. Ford Motor Co.'s U.S. sales fell 32 percent in December. General Motors Corp. and Nissan Motor Co. both posted 31 percent declines.