US auto sales slump, stalled by car computer chip shortage

By TOM KRISHER
AP Auto Writer

DETROIT (AP) — U.S. new vehicle sales tumbled about 26% in September as a global shortage of computer chips worsened, shuttering factories and limiting the selection on dealer lots. Edmunds.com said automakers sold just over 1 million new vehicles last month. With strong demand, that has forced up prices, sending many buyers to the sidelines. In the third quarter, sales fell 13% from a year ago. General Motors said its third-quarter sales were off nearly 33% from last year. Stellantis saw quarterly sales dip 19%, while Nissan was down 10%. Honda fell 11%. At Toyota, sales were off 22% for September but up just over 1% in the third quarter.