NATION

NATION

For Ford, December looks better than November

DEARBORN, Mich. — Ford Motor Co.’s December sales are looking better than November’s dismal numbers, at least through the first two weeks of the month, Executive Chairman Bill Ford Jr. said Tuesday. Ford, speaking to reporters in Dearborn at an event to preview new models, said a lot will depend on the last week of the month, traditionally the biggest sales week in December because people are off work for the holidays.

“December for us is turning out relatively well,” Ford said. “So far it doesn’t look so bad.”

Credit unions pledge funds to help auto sales

NEW YORK — A growing group of credit unions in the Midwest and South is pledging an additional $12 billion in low-cost auto loans and joining with Chrysler LLC to offer rebates to lift sagging auto sales.

The 2,500 credit unions in Ohio and 11 other states said Tuesday that their members will be eligible for rebates of $500 or $1,000 on nearly all Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles financed through the unions until June 30.

Best Buy profits drop; company to offer buyouts

MINNEAPOLIS — Best Buy Co. Inc. , the nation’s biggest consumer electronics retailer, said Tuesday that its third-quarter profit sank 77 percent as it faced dramatic changes in consumer spending. The company also said it will offer massive buyout packages to about 4,000 employees at its headquarters while slashing spending in a bid to cut costs.

Associated Press