Ford Posts Surprise Sales Gain as Rivals Start Slow

Ford Motor Co. saw a surprise increase in U.S. sales last month while General Motors Co.’s deliveries dropped by more than expected, according to people familiar with the matter.

Sales in January rose about 7 percent for Ford and slipped about 7 percent for GM, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the companies no longer make their reports public on a monthly basis.