GM January U.S. sales up slightly, Ford's down

U.S. auto sales appeared to fare better than expected in January, early returns showed on Tuesday, as the industry benefited from low gasoline prices, easy credit and moderate economic growth. Ford Motor Co's U.S. sales chief, Mark LaNeve, said the last five days of the month were strong, helping overcome the snowstorm's effects. General Motors Co , the top-seller in the U.S. market, said its sales were up 0.5 percent.