New Car Sales Jump 15% in January; Rising Oil Prices Loom

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GM Hot Sheet

Automakers serving the US saw new car sales surge by about 15% over January even as crude oil prices are flirting dangerously with some of the highest levels since late-2008. Although the the continued recovery bodes well for the industry, investors will be eager to see how a return to $90+ crude oil will impact February's auto sales performance.

Below is a recap of each automaker's January sales:

General Motors (NYSE: GM) - up 22% from 146,825 to 178,896 vehicles
Ford (NYSE: F) - up 13% to 127,317 units
Toyota (NYSE: TM) - up 17% to 115,856 units
Honda (NYSE: HMC) - up 13% to 76,269 units
Nissan (OTC: NSANY) - up 15% to 71,847 units
Chrysler - up 23% to 70,118 units