Dec. 31, 2013—According to Reuters, December U.S. auto sales are expected to show a 4 percent year-over-year increase when automakers report their final numbers on Friday.
It’s estimated that roughly 15.6 million new cars and trucks were sold in 2013, an increase of about 8 percent over 2012. And if that number holds true, it would make 2013 the most successful year for the industry since the pre-recession levels of 2007.
Based on those numbers, consumers will have spent $34 billion on new vehicles in the final month of 2013. Low interest rates on loans, lease deals, and other factors contributed to the rise in sales, Reuters said.