FORD AND GM SALES RISE, TOYOTA DECLINES

Ford recently reported that its sales for the month of January were up 25%. GM's sales saw a 14% boost. Toyota, on the other hand, flopped due to the recent recalls and credibility problems. In the case of Ford Motor Company and GM, the boost in sales were helped mainly by the bettering economy. But I think, even though the Toyota debacle didn't develop really until the latter half of the month, anyone who may have been considering buying a Toyota could easily have been suddenly pursuaded to do otherwise, concerned over the safety issues with Toyota's cars.

In any event, it's clear to understand why Ford tops the sales gains. It's the leader of the pack when it comes to American automobiles, and surely this has been bolstered by the fact that many Americans are mad over bad business practices and costly bailouts—of which both GM and Chrysler took. Ford did not. And now it's doing very well to say the least. Americans can appreciate that. This is a not a taxpayer funded company. Moreover, it's not Barack Obama Motor Company either.

Say what you want, but any affiliation with the Obama administration hurts business.

Still, I don't want to take away from the real reason people are looking to Ford more than they have in quite a while. One is in support of American jobs. Another is that Ford has been making quite a name for itself, restyling its cars and vamping up safety efforts. These cars are the best running, best looking, safest cars to wear the Ford nameplate in a very long time, and people are taking notice. The F-150 has certainly been a top selling truck for the company for the past 30 years, and while GM was indeed making some headway there for a minute, they've clearly lost their running. Ford still reigns here. The new F-150 Raptor is sharp as hell, too, and if you haven't seen it already, it's worth checking out Ford's website and taking a look.

Ford Motor Company continues to make a wonderful car to own and drive, and I can't say it loudly enough, it's a stock to own as well. Ford may well be the greatest American comeback story of the decade as we go forward, and certainly the company will see its stock price continue to rise.

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