AUTOS

Ford’s U.S. Vehicle Sales Rise: The Dearborn, Mich.-based auto maker said U.S. vehicle sales rose 7.3% in September, its first increase in three months and far more than expected, as big rebates for the end of the model year helped lure consumers. Analysts expected a 3% increase but Ford offered big discounts and cheap financing on almost all of its car lines to clear out inventory. Ford Motor Co.’s car sales rose a strong 7.7% to 144,708, and sales of pickups, minivans and sport-utility vehicles rose 7% to 156,888. On Tuesday, Chrysler Corp. said its car and truck sales jumped 22%, and General Motors Corp. posted a 2% decline.