Detroit's automakers each gained market share in 2011 for the first time since 1988 as the overall automotive industry finished the year by selling the most cars and trucks since 2008.
Total industry sales for the year topped an estimated 12.78 million, according to Autodata, a 10.3% increase from 2010.
The industry's strong December -- along with an improving U.S. economy -- is giving automakers confidence that the trend will continue in 2012.
"Industry sales are up now over 20% over the two years since the throes of the financial crisis," said Ellen Hughes-Cromwick, Ford's chief economist, who predicted total industry sales will increase to between 13.2 million and 14.2 million in 2012.
Detroit 3 all gain market share in '11 | Detroit Free Press | freep.com
Total industry sales for the year topped an estimated 12.78 million, according to Autodata, a 10.3% increase from 2010.
The industry's strong December -- along with an improving U.S. economy -- is giving automakers confidence that the trend will continue in 2012.
"Industry sales are up now over 20% over the two years since the throes of the financial crisis," said Ellen Hughes-Cromwick, Ford's chief economist, who predicted total industry sales will increase to between 13.2 million and 14.2 million in 2012.
Detroit 3 all gain market share in '11 | Detroit Free Press | freep.com