AUTOS

Ford U.S. Sales Down in October: The auto maker joined the other major auto makers in reporting that its U.S. sales declined in October from levels of a year ago. Ford Motor Co.’s report completed an overall industry picture that showed sales of cars and light trucks down 5.4% for the month. The Big Three domestic companies as a group were down 3.2%. Japanese and Korean nameplates were off 12.9% from October, 1994. The softer market is likely to produce good news for consumers by bringing pressure on the companies to lay on new rebates, lease deals and bargain interest rates. Analysts said Ford will probably offer incentives on its Taurus because sales are below expectations. Ford’s report said its car sales were down 12.3% while light truck deliveries rose 5.2%, combining for an overall decline of 3.6%.