Ford, U.S. Automakers Report Good January Sales

American-made vehicles are posting strong sales once again, boosted by the popularity of eco-friendly models. Ford (NYSE: F  ) , General Motors (NYSE: GM  ) and Chrysler reported January sales on Friday, and all three companies boasted higher numbers. Ford led the way, selling 22% more vehicles than it did just a year ago; GM and Chrysler followed suit with 16% sales boosts.

The Ford Fusion -- a fuel-efficient sedan that gets 47 miles per gallon -- had its best January ever, as sales surged 65% from a year ago. GM's Vice President of U.S. sales attributed the company's success to optimism "that only comes when you pair a growing economy with great new products." GM, which owns a number of different brands, saw high growth in its Cadillac and Buick lines, posting sales increases of 47% and 32%, respectively.

Chrysler's January numbers marked the best year since 2008, as well as the 34th consecutive month of year-over-year sales increases, according to a company press release. The market is applauding the widespread signs of health from the auto industry today; Ford and General Motor shares were both trading higher in the early afternoon.