Alternate problem B Ford Motor Company is the world's second-largest producer of cars and trucks and ranks among the largest providers of financial services in the United States. The following information pertains to Ford: (in millions) (in millions) 1998 1999 2000 Sales $118.017 $135,073 $141,230 Cost of goods sold 104,616 118,985 126, 120 Gross margin $ 13,401 $ 16,088 $ 15,110 Operating expenses 7,834 8,874 9,884 Net operating income $5,567 $ 7,214 $5,226 1. Prepare a statement showing the trend percentages for each item, using 1998 as the base year. 2. Comment on the trends noted in part (a)