*Ford sales up sharply

December sales rose 33 percent from a year earlier, the strongest monthly increase since May 2008, while full year sales dropped 15 percent. The other carmakers will be releasing their numbers later this morning. All the results are likely to be good for December, what with various incentive programs bringing in customers.

*A mixed bag for the two other U.S. carmakers. GM sales in December were down 6 percent, but much of that was the result of a 55 percent drop in sales by the four brands that the company is shutting down. The four brands it's keeping were up 2 percent. Sales for the year were down 30 percent. Chrysler sales were down 4 percent for the month and 36 percent on the year. (NYT)