Light Vehicle Sales Jumped 13% in U.S. Last Year

Automakers sold 14.49 million cars and light trucks in America in 2012 compared with 12.78 million units the year before, research firm Autodata Corp. reports.

Analysts attribute last year's volume gains to pent-up demand, a stronger U.S. economy, rising consumer confidence, low-interest loans and easier access to credit.

Domestic brands boosted volume 8% year on year to 6.4 million vehicles in 2012. Demand soared 19% to 1.6 million units at Chrysler and grew 4% to 2.6 million units at GM and 5% to 2.2 million units at Ford.

Demand for European makes climbed 21% to 1.4 million vehicles last year, thus hiking their American market share by 0.6 points to 9.9%. Volkswagen brand vehicles surged 35% to 438,100 units.

Europe's luxury car marques also posted big U.S. sales gains in 2012, including BMW (+14% to a record 281,500 vehicles), Mercedes-Benz (+12% to 274,100 units) and Audi (+19% to 139,300 units).

Sales of Asian brands jumped 10% to 594,800 vehicles last year. Volume soared at Toyota (+27% to 2.1 million vehicles) and Honda (+24% to 1.4 million units). Hyundai and Kia increased volume 9% to 703,000 vehicles and 15% to 557,600 units, respectively.