US car makers turn a corner after strong December sales

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US car manufacturers have reported strong sales for December, confirming the car industry’s steady recovery during 2010.

Chrysler revealed sales for the month rose by 16% against a year earlier, GM posted sales growth of 7.5%, while Ford said sales rose by 7%.

Japan’s Nissan fared even better, reporting US sales growth of 28%.

Most major carmakers reporting sales figures also posted strong rises in sales for the full year 2010 compared with 2009.

Ford reported a jump of 19%, Chrysler an increase of 16% and GM a rise of 6%.

The figures confirm a remarkable turnaround for the so-called Detroit three car makers, two of which – Chrysler and GM – went into bankruptcy protection in 2009 and other car makers were equally upbeat.

“I think people are a lot more confident in making big purchases now. That’s the story of the fourth quarter,” said Ali Castignetti, head of Nissan sales in the US.

“I think we’re going to see slow, steady growth.”

Despite strong gains from Ford and Chrysler, GM retained its position as the US’s top-selling car maker, with sales of 2.2 million units in 2010.

“Our sales this year reflect the impact of GM’s new business model,” said GM’s vice-president of US sales Don Johnson.

“The consistency of results that we achieved demonstrates the focus on our brands, dealers and customers, and how we compete aggressively for every sale, every day.”

Source: BBC