FORD MOTOR CO (F) 8.64 -$0.09 (-1.03%) 12:55AM (15 mins delay)

“This seems to be the quarter when automakers are turning in a better than expected numbers. As with many other automakers, here is what Toyota had today, a surprise profit in its quarterly earnings released early this morning, mid morning in Japan, a profit of $242 million that’s down 84% from the quarter a year ago. Sales, $50 billion, down 24%.

The thing to keep in mind with Toyota swinging to a profit is that it’s all largely based on government incentive programs around the world certainly helps. However, the strong yen continues to be a problem for it is offsetting the recovery that’s the reason why as Toyota was discussing its quarterly results, the company has said it has some concerns ahead of it. Toyota has cut its expected annual loss in half. Take a look at shares of Toyota. And again, like many of the automakers, benefiting from these incentive programs, boosting sales around the world. But Toyota has the added burden of the strong yen because it exports so many vehicles from Japan.” — CNBC’s Squawk Box 11/5/2009