DETROIT (AP) -- Chrysler Chief Executive Bob Nardelli says his company will have a difficult time making it through the economic downturn without federal aid.
Chrysler spokeswoman Katie Hepler said Nardelli made the remark on Thursday at the Ernst & Young Strategic Growth Forum in Palm Desert, Calif.
She says Nardelli reiterated his support for federal aid to help the Detroit Three make it through the worst U.S. auto sales slump in 25 years.
Ford Motor Co., General Motors Corp. and Chrysler LLC are asking Congress for up to $50 billion in federal loans because they are running low on cash.
According to Hepler, Nardelli was asked if Chrysler could go it alone without government aid.
"It would be very difficult to make it through this unprecedented downturn," he said in response, according to Hepler.
U.S. auto industry sales are down nearly 15 percent through the first 10 months of the year because of tight credit and eroding consumer confidence due to economic worries.
October's seasonally adjusted annual sales rate dropped to 10.6 million vehicles, the lowest in more than 25 years. Chrysler's sales dropped 26 percent for the first 10 months and 35 percent in October.