Auto sales remained at recessionary levels throughout most of the year, weighed down by weak consumer confidence.

According to The Conference Board, consumer sentiment inched lower in December, remaining at recessionary levels.

During recent weeks, Mr. Shasho said, sales have been down about 10 percent even from the recessionary levels of last year.

And auto sales during the middle 10 days of December remained mired at recessionary levels.

That followed release of a Conference Board survey on Tuesday showing consumer confidence plunged to recessionary levels in October.

Economy hovers around recessionary levels.

In addition, a respected survey showed that consumer confidence fell to recessionary levels in October.

"Orders for many of our operations continue to be at recessionary levels," said Paul E. Lego, the chairman.

Capital spending is plummeting and industrial production is at recessionary levels.

The nation's spirits have yet to revive from last fall's recessionary levels, according to the closely watched University of Michigan survey.