Automakers had a banner year in 2012, and December capped it off in style as several manufacturers had large increases in the month. Despite wariness surrounding the "fiscal cliff," sales rose 9 percent in December compared to the same time in 2011 and increased 19 percent from November, The Wall Street Journal reports.
The past year was the best for the auto industry since 2007, with several brands helped out by successful redesigns and rounds of auto repair that transformed models into more attractive cars.
According to The Detroit Free Press, Chrysler led the pack with a 10 percent increase in sales in December, followed by General Motors at 4.9 percent and Ford at just under 2 percent. Foreign brands also saw lots of success in the month, with Volkswagen boasting a staggering 35 percent growth and Hyundai sitting at a 17 percent increase.
The strong closing to the year has many believing that the industry will continue to grow in 2013, as its momentum should combine with a positive financial outlook in the U.S. to create an environment conducive to buying vehicles.