Summary GM forecast November's sales pace would come in above 16 million once all automakers have reported.
CHICAGO (AFP) - The US auto industry looked set to post one of its best performances in years as major automakers reported strong gains in November sales Tuesday.
"We feel good about the direction of the economy and our own momentum," GM sales chief Kurt McNeil said.
"The economy is creating jobs and household wealth. Energy costs are dropping and credit is available and affordable. All of this bodes well for future growth."
GM forecast November s sales pace would come in "above" 16 million once all automakers have reported. That would be up substantially from the 15.2 million pace set in October and could beat the year s current peak of 16.1 million set in August.
The last time the sales pace topped 16 million was in October 2007.
Chrysler forecast that industry sales will reach a adjusted, annualized rate of 16.3 million vehicles in November.
"Industry sales in November picked up after Thanksgiving contributing to the best sales pace of the year," said Toyota s Bill Fay.
"Showroom traffic surged over the holiday weekend for Toyota, indicating good momentum we expect to continue through the end of the year and into 2014."
Toyota sales rose 10 percent to 178,044 vehicles in November.
GM sales were up 14 percent at 212,060, the best November results in six years.
Chrysler reported its best November sales since 2007 with a 16 percent jump to 142,275 vehicles.
The third largest US automaker has now racked up 44 consecutive months of sales gains following a painful restructuring under bankruptcy protection.
Ford s sales rose seven percent to 147,021 vehicles while its retail division posted its best November performance since 2004.
