Hurricane Sandy impacted November's auto sales figures.
GM, Ford and Chrysler all posted year-over-year sales gains in November.
The Big Three automakers all reported year-over-year sales gains in November as they look to finish the year on a strong note.
“They have a strong product line up, the best they’ve had,” said Kristen Andersson, a senior analyst for Santa Monica, Calif.-based TrueCar.com.
TrueCar.com estimates total U.S. auto sales of 14.5 million for 2012.
Andersson said Hurricane Sandy played a role in November’s sales growth as people replaced damaged vehicles. Chrysler, however, said the storm contributed to a decrease in Jeep sales. The Auburn Hills-based automaker said there were lingering effects on dealerships in the Northeast, which is typically a strong market for Jeep.
Chrysler Group LLC sold 122,565 vehicles, up 14 percent over the year, while Dearborn-based Ford Motor Co.’s sales grew 6.5 percent to 177,673 vehicles. Detroit-based General Motors Co. sold 186,505 vehicles, a 3 percent increase over November 2011.
Foreign automakers also posted sales gains last month.
“They’re spending a little bit more to move vehicles. We haven’t seen that with Detroit, which is also a little bit of a change,” Andersson said.
American car makers have “maintained their discipline” this year as far as offering incentives, which is healthy for the companies, she said.
Top 10 GM, Ford and Chrysler vehicles in November by units sold (year-to-date [position in top 10 last month]):
1. Ford F-Series- 56,299 (576,529 [#1])
2. Chevrolet Silverado- 30,674 (367,613 [#2])
3. Ram pickup- 24,337 (263,152 [#3])
4. Ford Escape- 20,970 (240,887 [#4])
5. Ford Focus- 18,312 (223,318 [#6])
6. Chevrolet Equinox – 16,821 (199,070 [#7])
7. Chevrolet Cruze- 16,807 (216,528 [#5])
8. Ford Fusion- 15,125 (221,980 [#10])
9. Ford Explorer- 14,456 (141,649 [#9])
10. Jeep Grand Cherokee- 13,619 (137,613 [--])
Top 10 GM, Ford and Chrysler vehicles by year-over-year sales growth in November (units sold [position in top 10 last month]):
1. Ram Cargo Van - 226% (737 [--])
2. Fiat 500 - 123% (3,603 [#3])
3. Dodge Journey - 77% (6,569 [#--])
4. Chevrolet Caprice (police car) - 68% (281 [#1])
5. Lincoln MKT- 66% (537 [--])
6. Ford Focus - 56% (18,312 [7])
7. GMC Terrain- 44% (8,158 [--])
8. Ford Mustang- 37% (5,309 [--])
9. Ford Heavy Trucks- 37% (581 [#4])
10. Chevrolet Volt- 33% (1,519 [#2])
Click here for the top-selling Detroit Three vehicles of October.
Email Melissa Anders at manders@mlive.com. Follow her on Twitter: @MelissaDAnders.