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.