Despite strong sales, auto output plunged in 2001.(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)

While U.S. light-vehicle sales were near record levels in 2001, North American car and truck production declined nearly 1.8 million units, or 11.3 percent.

All but three producers posted year-to-year declines, although the Big 3 absorbed the biggest drop-offs. Production totaled 15.9 million units last year, down from 17.7 million in 2001. Combined Big 3 output declined nearly 1.6 …