When the American auto industry was on the brink of collapse in December of 2008, Democrats took action to support the industry that saved American jobs, strengthened manufacturing, and spurred innovation. And now, American automakers are boasting their best sales in years:
CNN Money – Best auto sales in years
Consumers flocked to auto dealerships in February at the strongest pace in four years, hungry to buy fuel-efficient vehicles and to upgrade to newer trucks.
Industrywide U.S. sales rose 15.7%, according to sales tracker Autodata, which puts the annual pace of sales at 15.1 million vehicles when adjusted for seasonal factors. That’s a big jump from the 14.1 million annual sales rate in January and the best pace of sales since February of 2008.
General Motors (GM, Fortune 500), Ford Motor (F, Fortune 500) and Chrysler Group all reported improved monthly sales with strong demand for both fuel-efficient models and big trucks.
Bloomberg – U.S. Auto Sales Pace Hits Four-Year High on Broad-Based Gains
U.S. auto sales accelerated to the fastest pace in four years, led by Chrysler Group LLC and a surprise gain from General Motors Co. (GM), as demand strengthened throughout automakers’ lineups.
Detroit Free Press – Auto sales hit highest level in 4 years
An improving economy outweighed rising gas prices last month to push U.S. auto sales to their highest level in four years, with demand growing across nearly all vehicle segments.
The Detroit News – February U.S. sales: GM up 1.1%, Chrysler up 40%, Ford up 14%
General Motors Co. said Thursday its February U.S. sales rose 1.1 percent, beating analyst expectations, while Ford Motor Co.’s sales jumped 14 percent and Chrysler Group LLC reported a 40 percent increase…
"What a difference four years makes and a change in product lines make for General Motors and Ford," said Edmunds.com senior analyst Michelle Krebs in a statement.
Wall Street Journal: Market Watch – U.S. car makers log healthy February sales
In an upbeat sign for the U.S. economy and the country’s resurgent automobile industry, U.S. car makers logged strong sales that topped analyst projections in February.