Drivers and Investors Buy Ford

February U.S. auto sales were released today with major surprises. The most predictable surprise was Toyota's drop in sales, the only automaker to have a drop. This comes on the heels of a massive recall and halt in sales of many of its most popular vehicles. But, this was not the major story that headlined. Ford [F:NYSE], for the first time in 12 years, outsold General Motors and sales gained 43 per cent. For the record, they outsold GM by only about 300 vehicles. Ford's dramatic increase in sales stems from an increase in fleet sales (rental car companies). They represented 40 per cent of the sales for Ford this month, 10 per cent higher than Ford's 2009 average. The company was hit hard during the automaker crisis, with the stock dropping below $2 a share, but when the American car maker told the government it did not need a bailout, the stock rebounded and has continued to climb to over $12. Ford has released many new popular vehicles that are better on gas mileage and are eye-appealing. With the car-buying season approaching, Toyota, GM, and Chrysler offered 0% financing for 60 to 72 months to entice buyers, but Ford did not follow suit, indicating Ford's confidence in their product. CNBC analysts said that Ford's turn around presents a good investment, with guidance of $1.00 a share, and even as high as $1.35 by some analysts. If these figures can be sustained, the company's stock price should be near $20 in the next year. Profit-taking is expected this week, but buying opportunities for long-term holders is now.