Honda August US Sales Slide 33%

Honda Motor Co. HMC reported a 33% slide in U.S. auto sales in August as the Japanese auto maker reported record sales for the month a year ago on surging demand from the government's Cash for Clunkers. The company reported it sold 108,729 vehicles, down from 161,439 a year ago and falling 3.3% from the prior month. It was the third month this year Honda reported lower sales, after posting declines in January and July. August's slump leaves Honda's U.S. sales up just 1% from last year's moribund levels. Honda's poor showing in August mirrored rival Toyota Motor Corp. TM, which posted a 34% decline. Detroit auto makers General Motors Co. and Ford Motor Co. F also reported lower sales for the month, though their drops weren't as steep. Sales for Honda cars slumped 44%, while truck sales were down 10%. Like many of its peers, Honda has reported more impressive growth for trucks and sports-utility vehicles in recent months.