Fordzilla v. Japan, the sequel

The U.S. auto sales numbers are in for January, and it's another win for Detroit.

Ford sales rose 25 percent last month.

Toyota's, meanwhile, fell 16 percent, hurt by a recall of some 4.6 million cars and the temporary sales halt of eight models in the U.S.

As part of a frenzied media blitz to help restore confidence in the company, Toyota's U.S. boss Jim Lentz is stressing safety, and playing the friends and family card:

"I drive Toyota products, my wife drives Toyota products, my family drives Toyota products, friends and neighbors drive Toyota products, and I can tell you that I wouldn't have loved ones in our products if I didn't think they were safe," Jim Lentz said in an interview yesterday with NPR.

Here's my radioactive lizard take on what's been a fascinating week or so in the global auto industry.

http://www.globalpost.com/notebook/commerce/100202/fordzilla-v-japan-the-sequel