SAGINAW, Mich. -- Auto industry analysts predicted a slow end to an already dismal year for automakers.

December sales for the Detroit Three are expected to fall about 4 percent, analysts predicted.

Japanese automakers also are expected to see lower sales in December, they said.

Sales have been hurt by consumer anxiety over gas prices, the housing crunch and the overall weakening economy.

Industry watchers warned that the 2008 auto sales performance could be even weaker.