Auto sales soar for Chrysler, G.M. and Ford

Chrysler Group said that its U.S. automobile sales jumped 37 percent to 138,019 vehicles in December, marking the best month for the company in four years.
For all of 2011, Chrysler’s sales increased 26 percent.
“Chrysler Group finished a year of growth on a strong note with our December retail sales soaring 45 percent to our highest dealer retail sales in four years,” said Reid Bigland, president and chief executive of the Dodge brand and head of U.S. sales. “Looking back, we were the fastest-growing automaker in the country, increasing our market share 1.3 percentage points during 2011.”
General Motors Co. said its 2011 sales jumped 14 percent to 2.5 million vehicles over sales in 2010. G.M.’s U.S. sales for December climbed 5 percent to 234,351 units
“G.M.’s balanced portfolio of fuel-efficient cars, trucks and crossovers helped us make the most of the U.S. economy’s slow but steady recovery in 2011,” said Don Johnson, vice president of G.M.’s U.S. sales operations. “Importantly, we were able to grow all four of our brands and reestablish Chevrolet as a force to be reckoned with in the passenger car business.  This gives us a very solid foundation to compete in a market that we expect to keep growing.”
Ford Motor Co. reported U.S. sales for 2011 jumped 17 percent to 2.06 million vehicles, helped by solid demand for its small fuel-efficient cars, utility vehicles and trucks. Total sales for 2011 climbed 11 percent to 2.15 million.
Ford said it now sees the global economy expanding by about 3 percent for 2012, with global industry sales of 75 million to 80 million. Those who are looking to save money on their car purchase may consider buying used ford cars for sale instead.