(December 2, 2011) U.S. auto sales — led by Chrysler Group, Hyundai-Kia and Volkswagen — surged in November pushing the seasonally adjusted annual sales rate to 13.6 million. Overall sales were up 14 percent for the month compared to November 2010.

Chrysler Group sales soared 45 percent, its biggest monthly increase since emerging from bankruptcy in 2009. Similar advances were seen at Hyundai-Kia, up 29 percent, and the Volkswagen brand, up 41 percent. Individually Hyundai jumped 22 percent and Kia was up 39 percent.

Ford also had solid sales month led by truck and SUV sales. Sales advanced 13 percent at Ford, its biggest gain since April. Volume at the Ford division was up 20 percent. A 7 percent gain at GM was helped by strong demand for big pickups and smaller cars such as the Chevrolet Sonic and Cruze. Still, it was one of GM's weakest performances of the year. Chevy and GMC were up; Buick and Cadillac fell.

Volkswagen sold 28,412 cars in the U.S. in November, up 41 percent over November 2010. The German manufacturer is up 23 percent for the year.

Japanese automakers Nissan and Toyota reported good November results. Nissan sales rose 19 percent and sales are up 16 percent for the year despite disruptions last spring from the Japanese earthquake.

Toyota, rebounding from the earthquake, posted its first monthly gain since April. The Toyota and Lexus brands each rose 7 percent.

Honda is still struggling from earthquake-related shortages and was the only major automaker to post a decline, down by 10 percent.

German luxury brand Mercedes-Benz had a strong showing. Mercedes sales were up 47 percent for the month and are up 15 percent for the year.

Other results: Mini, up 71 percent; Subaru, down 15 percent; BMW Group, up 15 percent; Volvo, up 19 percent; Mitsubishi, down 13 percent; and Mazda, up 20 percent.

Sources: Automobile manufacturers, Automotive News