Chicago: Ford Motor Co posted today a 32 per cent drop in US auto sales in December, dragging its total sales for the year down 20 per cent to just under two million vehicles.

Despite the weak sales, Ford estimated that it managed to increase its share of the US market to 14.6 per cent from 13.9 per cent in December of 2007.

Ford attributed the gains to strong demand for its new F-150 pickup truck and a new line of more fuel-efficient vehicles.

"This is a strong ending to end a very challenging year," said Jim Farley, Ford s group vice president of marketing and communications.

"In addition to finishing the year with increased market share, we received several accolades from third parties concerning our world-class quality and safety, and we turned some heads on the fuel economy front with our 41 mpg Fusion Hybrid, the most fuel-efficient mid-size sedan in America."

Truck, sport utility vehicle and van sales were down 34 per cent to 91,027 vehicles in December and 24 per cent to 1.24 million in 2008.

Car sales fell 26 per cent to 43,087 in December and 11 per cent to 671,955 for the year.

Source : PTI