According to AutoWeek as well as JD Power and Associates, automobile sales have been given a big boost and should be expected to post a 15% gain for the month of December.  It is not uncommon for a year-end rally in major industries, but with the turbulence the automotive world has had to endure over the last year and a half, any news is good news. A 15 percent hike is great news.

Right now, the number of December sales is listed at 1.03 million vehicles. This time last year, that number was just a shade under 900,000.  This increase could be indicative of several factors, most notably a gradual economic recovery. The Cash for Clunkers program did help August see some gains but the only other month to see a positive was November, where the number was minimal.

This could be the spark the industry has been waiting for. Here’s hoping the new year brings another step forward!