U.S. Car Sales Jump in December, Outpace 2008

Just before the official opening of the North America International Auto Show, automakers were cheering news that 2011 was not as bad as it was thought.

In fact, GM, Ford and Chrysler had their best sales year since 2008.

"It’s been a phenomenal turnaround for the Big Three," said Michelle Krebs, of Edmunds.com. "Chrysler and GM have the American taxpayer to thank for that, but in the end, it’s been a good investment."

According to Bloomberg, GM’s December vehicle sales were up 4.5% to 234,351. Ford’s December sales rose 10% to 209,447, and Chrysler’s December sales were up 37% to 138,019 cars and trucks.

Bloomberg said Toyota was up 0.4% in December and Nissan was up 7.7% for the month. Hyundai sales rose 13% in the month, while Kia Motors Corp. reported a 43% gain.

Meanwhile, Honda said December sales of its Honda and Acura brands fell 19% from a year ago.

Ascot Supply Corporation, based in Newnan, Georgia, has selected Mark Paquette for the newly created position of vice president. In this position, Ascot Supply said Paquette will oversee the growth of the company's products, corporate profitability, manage marketing and advertising and assume many other responsibilities.

He will work under the direction of current President David Kessler and officially begin his new role on June 3. Paquette joined the tire and automotive industry in the early 1980s at his father's tire shop, and his contributions to Mohawk Rubber Sales were instrumental in the company's growth and eventual sale to Myers Tire Supply in 2021, according to Ascot Supply. Paquette eventually was given a promotion to the role of director of operations at Myers Tire Supply.