Mexican auto production, exports and new car sales fell sharply in March, although the declines were less drastic than those registered in the first two months of the year.

The Mexican Auto Industry Association, or AMIA, said Tuesday that production fell 32% to 102,720 units, compared with year-on-year declines of 51% in January and 38% in February.

Exports last month were down 21% from March 2008 at 101,831 units, a marked improvement over 57% drop in January and 45% drop in February.

The decline in domestic new car sales also eased from the previous two months, falling 20% in March to 64,242 units. Sales had dropped 29% in February and 28% in January.

-By Paul Kiernan, Dow Jones Newswires; (5255) 5001 5726, paul.kiernan@dowjones.com