CHICAGO, April 1, 2008 (AFP) - Ford Motor Co. reported Tuesday a 14.3 percent slide in monthly US sales in March, citing a 'turbulent economy' that is squeezing consumers.

The number two US automaker said it delivered 227,143 vehicles last month, including domestic nameplates and its Jaguar and Land Rover brands that were sold to India's Tata Motors in the month for 2.3 billion dollars.

Jim Farley, Ford group vice president, said the company's reorganization remains on track even as the automaker shifts gears to adapt to US consumer preferences.

'This is a very challenging external environment, reflecting a seismic shift in consumer preferences,' said Farley.

'These conditions will likely persist in the near future. At Ford, we remain focused on executing our plan, which includes being profitable at lower volume and changed mix. It is crucial we continue to employ a disciplined process to gauge demand and plan production on a segment-by-segment and region-by-region basis.'

Ford's domestic nameplates saw a 14.4 percent drop from the same month a year ago to 213,074 vehicles.

Volvo, the Swedish brand that is being retained by Ford, had a drop of 13.1 percent.

Ford said it saw strong gains for its redesigned Ford Focus compact car and Edge sport utility vehicle.