Auto Makers Reveal Upbeat Kickoff to 2011

In an encouraging start to 2011, U.S. auto makers General Motors GM, Ford F and Chrysler all reported double-digit year-over-year sales increases in January as Detroit continues to rebound from the economic downturn. The up tick in sales underscore Americans' growing willingness to make big-ticket purchases amid the improving economic recovery. GM, which enjoyed a successful initial public offering last year, said sales of its core brands leaped by 23% in January to 178,896 vehicles. Fleet sales declined 7%, led by an 11% slide for rental fleet sales. Commercial customer sales rose 7%. Continue reading the article.