US sales buck the global trend in January

With Russia struggling, China's growth slowing and Brazil contracting, global automakers are counting on the United States, where January sales were the most in nine years.

To start the year, sales at General Motors Co jumped 18 percent while Ford Motor Co, Toyota Motor Corp and Nissan Motor Co all beat analysts' estimates as cheaper gasoline and falling unemployment boosted consumer confidence.

The US has job growth to drive sales along with lenders willing to loan at low rates to finance cars. Cheaper fuel has also rekindled Americans' affinity for profitable pickups and sport-utility vehicles.