DETROIT (AP) -- Ford's U.S. sales rose 22 percent in January on strong sales of pickup trucks and new vehicles.
F-Series truck sales jumped 22 percent over last January. Many analysts are predicting stronger truck sales in 2013 as housing construction increases.
Sales of the new Fusion midsize sedan climbed 65 percent from a year earlier. The Fusion was introduced late last year.
Sales of the new Ford Escape SUV, which struggled last fall after a series of safety recalls, rose 15.5 percent. Ford said it was the strongest January ever for the Escape, with nearly 20,000 sold.
Ford Explorer SUV sales were also strong, up 46 percent over last January.
Ford's luxury Lincoln brand saw an 18-percent decline. Ford is in the midst of a multi-year revamp of Lincoln's products.
