Lack of Lifeline May Give Ford a Boost
As General Motors and Chrysler seek another infusion of government funds, Ford is standing apart for now -- and may be benefiting.</br></br>Ford's staggering 40 percent plunge in U.S. light-vehicle sales last month was actually a victory of sorts. GM's sales declined by an even steeper 49 percent, and Chrysler's fell 55 percent from January 2008, according to Ward's Automotive Group, which tracks the industry.</br></br>Part of the explanation may be that car buyers believe Ford is more likely to survive the recession, industry analysts said.</br></br>Unlike its domestic rivals, Ford didn't seek a federal bailout late last year, and it didn't turn to the government again last week begging for a second big infusion of taxpayer funds to avoid bankruptcy.</br></br>"One of the factors is that Ford's not asking for money in Washington, so consumers may be less concerned about Ford," said John A. Casesa, automotive analyst and managing partner of the consulting firm Casesa Shapiro Group.