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Sales plunge 36 percent in final month of 2008


Unsold 2009 Prius sedans sit at a Toyota dealership in Frederick, Colo., in November. Toyota Motor Co. said its sales in the U.S. fell sharply in December, but the Japanese auto giant remained ahead of Ford Motor Co. and retained its position as the No. 2 vehicle seller in the U.S. for 2008. (AP photo)

DETROIT (AP) — Huge rebates and zero-percent loans couldn’t overcome economic uncertainty as U.S. auto sales plunged 36 percent in December, capping a dismal year that saw sales free-fall by 2.9 million vehicles from 2007.

The bleak numbers, according to both industry officials and analysts, mean that record high rebates and low-interest financing deals will stick around until at least February. But those deals will likely disappear as the remaining 2008 models are sold and inventories are lowered to match demand.

One automaker, Hyundai Motor America, is trying to woo skittish buyers by promising to let them return cars for up to a year if they lose their jobs and can’t make the payments.

Similar bold moves might be necessary throughout the year.

Every major manufacturer reported drops of more than 30 percent in December. Leading the largest year-over-year drop since the Arab oil embargo days of 1973-74 was struggling Chrysler LLC, which sold 53 percent

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Toyota to suspend production for 11 days in Japan

January 6, 2009

TOKYO (AP) — Toyota is suspending production at all 12 of its Japan plants for 11 days over February and March, a stoppage of unprecedented scale for the nation’s top automaker as it grapples with shr

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Past youthful killer gets up to 20 years

January 6, 2009

PONTIAC (AP) — When Nathaniel Abraham was released from state supervision nine years after killing a man as an 11-year-old, he flashed a bright smile and wore a flamboyant cream pinstripe suit, red sh

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Muslim leaders call for help on Gaza

January 6, 2009

DETROIT (AP) — A group of about 15 Michigan Islamic leaders on Monday called on the public to contact lawmakers, donate to relief agencies and pray in an effort to end fighting and suffering in the Ga

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Nursing shortage causes odd recruitment efforts

January 6, 2009

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Please, please accept a high-paying job with us. In fact, just swing by for an interview and we’ll give you a chance to win cash and prizes.

Sounds too good to be true, especi

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Granholm speculated as Commerce choice

January 6, 2009

LANSING (AP) — There’s talk that New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson’s withdrawal as Commerce secretary nominee could be an opening for Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm.

Richardson withdrew Sunday

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