North American Auto Output Jumps 28%

Automakers boosted production of light vehicles in North America to 1.4 million units last month compared with 1.1 million in May 2011, according to Automotive News.

The newspaper says May marks a record 31st month of consecutive year-over-year increases in North American output. Production of cars and trucks increased 31% to 620,200 units and 26% to 734,300 units, respectively.

By country, light vehicle output climbed 34% to 936,700 units in the U.S. and 43% to 228,600 units in Canada but dipped 1% to 225,300 units in Mexico, according to AN. It calculates that North American production In January-May 2012 rose 20% year over year to 6.9 million units.

The newspaper says 22 assembly plants in North America are operating on overtime this week, including 19 owned by domestic carmakers.