U.S. Auto Sales Jumped 13% in 2012

Automakers sold 14.49 million cars and light trucks in America last year compared with 12.78 million units in 2011, research firm Autodata Corp. reports.

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

U.S. marques boosted volume 8% from 2011 to 6.4 million vehicles, buoyed by Chrysler's 19% surge to 1.6 million units. Demand grew 4% to 2.6 million units at General Motors and 5% to 2.2 million units at Ford.

Asian brands picked up 1.9 points of American market share to reach 45.6% for the year. Some of the gains resulted from a 27% surge in the popularity of fuel-efficient small cars a segment where Asian makes are strong. Hyundai and Kia hiked American volume 9% to 703,000 vehicles and 15% to 557,600 units, respectively.

Japanese share benefited from a sales rebound at Toyota (+27% to 2.1 million vehicles) and Honda (+24% to 1.4 million units) from natural-disaster-plagued 2011. Subaru set its fourth straight annual U.S. sales record in 2012 with a 26% advance to 336,400 vehicles.

Demand for European makes soared 21% to 1.4 million vehicles last year. Sales for the Volkswagen brand surged 35% to 438,100 units.