Ford sales drop 5 from July, 11 from last August as economic woes keep buyers away

Ford sales drop 5 from July over buyer worries

DETROIT — Ford Motor Co. says its U.S. auto sales dipped 5 percent in August compared with July as consumers continued to hold off on big purchases.

Ford’s sales dropped 11 percent over last August but that had been widely expected. Last August saw strong sales thanks to the government’s Cash for Clunkers program, which gave buyers up to $4,500 in cash to buy a more fuel efficient vehicle.

Ford says it’s lowering its fourth-quarter production slightly because of lackluster demand.

Bad economic news, including high unemployment, hurt August sales.