Chrysler suffered another big drop in US auto sales in November as its Detroit rivals reported mixed results, according to data released Tuesday. Chrysler said its November sales of cars and other light vehicles slid 25 percent compared with a year earlier to 63,560. The new Chrysler -- an alliance with Italy's Fiat, which took a stake in the number-three US automaker under a government-backed bankruptcy reorganization -- said its market share likely increased from a month earlier to 8.4 percent. Sales were down modestly compared with October's figure of 65,803, and the company said this was a positive sign. 'The company showed some encouraging signs this month, providing a good foundation going forward and reinforcing our promising future which everyone in the company is excited about,' said Fred Diaz, a Chrysler executive. 'Consumer confidence is building now that we've released our five-year business plan, and we're showcasing our brands, great products and cool features in new advertising.' Chrysler last month unveiled its strategy to be a leaner, more focused automaker aiming for long-term profitability and regaining its sense of style. GM, the biggest US automaker, said US sales of cars and other passenger vehicles fell 2.2 percent from November 2008 to 151,427. The downturn followed an annualized rise of 4.0 percent in October. 'Consumer interest in our launch vehicles remains solid,' said Susan Docherty, GM vice president for US sales. 'We're working to strengthen our Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac brands by providing cars, crossovers and trucks with the sales and service experience that our customers deserve. We have more to do, but we're committed to earning consideration and future sales by delivering great products in every segment.' Ford meanwhile said increased sales of passenger cars and newer 'crossover' vehicles offset weak demand for trucks and sport utility vehicles. Ford said it sold 123,167 new vehicles in the month, marginally lower than the 123,222 in November 2008. The figure was down from 136,920 in October. Still, the number-two US automaker estimated its steady performance resulted in increased market share. 'Consumer demand for our new high-quality, fuel-efficient products is driving Ford's market share gains,' said Ken Czubay, Ford vice president. Car sales rose 14 percent and sales of crossovers, which are similar to SUVs but built on a car platform, increased 25.9 percent. This offset a drop of 20.8 percent in SUV sales and an 18.4 percent drop in trucks and vans. Ford estimated its total market share in November was higher than a year ago and higher than its share in the first 10 months of 2009. 'The Ford plan is working, led by the strength of our product lineup and customer demand for our new cars, utilities and trucks,' said Czubay. Ford last month posted surprise earnings of nearly a billion dollars in the third quarter and said it was on track to become 'solidly profitable' by 2011 after years of painful losses. Unlike rivals General Motors and Chrysler, Ford managed to cope with the economic crisis without resorting to bankruptcy protection or the need for billions of dollars in government aid. Ford announced Tuesday plans to build 550,000 vehicles in the first quarter 2010, an increase of 58 percent from the first quarter 2009. 