The German automaker Daimler said sales in its Mercedes-Benz Cars group dropped more than 25 percent in November to 84,500 vehicles worldwide.

As carmakers take steps to reduce inventories, an auto official has even raised the sensitive issue of potential layoffs.

As carmakers take steps to reduce inventories, an auto official has even raised the sensitive issue of potential layoffs.

The automaker reported third-quarter profit of 213 million euros, or $273.5 million, reversing a year-ago loss of 1.5 billion euros, but it abandoned its 2008 earnings forecast amid a fall in North American sales.

Daimler, the world’s largest maker of heavy vehicles, announced plans to eliminate its Sterling truck brand and shift production from the United States to Mexico.

Daimler, the world’s largest maker of heavy vehicles, announced plans to eliminate its Sterling truck brand and shift production from the United States to Mexico.

European Union lawmakers proposed tougher-than-expected emissions goals for car makers, dealing a blow to the German automobile industry.

Despite high gas prices and the unpopularity of big vehicles, Chrysler will begin advertising the first revamped Dodge Ram truck in six years.

Top Chrysler executives are determined to fix the company, and executives at Cerberus Capital, Chrysler’s new private-equity owner, say they will get the chance.

Top Chrysler executives are determined to fix the company, and executives at Cerberus Capital, Chrysler’s new private-equity owner, say they will get the chance.