U.S. Feb auto sales tepidDETROIT/WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. auto sales stalled in February as a safety crisis sent Toyota Motor Corp <7203.T> reeling, allowing Ford Motor Co to leap into the industry's top spot for the first time since 1998.

Summary Box: US auto sales better-than-expectedU.S. February auto sales rose 13 percent over the same month last year. Here's how the top seven automakers fared. Automaker Total sales Percent change U.S. market share Ford Motor Co. 142,285 43.3 percent 18.2 percent General Motors Corp. 141,438 12.7... GeneralMotors - Ford Motor Company - Automotive industry - United States - Toyota

Saudis to host conference in ChicagoCommerce minister talks about the need for foreign investment Chicago Confidential: The Saudi commerce minister talked with us about the two-day Davos-style \"business opportunities forum\" it is hosting Chicago to entice U.S. investment, particularly in manufacturing.