November Auto Sales Rise, Boosted by Low Gas Prices, Black Friday

Major U.S. automakers reported November auto sales gains on Tuesday, helped by Black Friday sales and lower gas prices. Chrysler boasted the biggest percentage gain. Sales rose more than 20% to nearly 171,000 vehicles on strength out of its Jeep brand and Ram pick-ups. General Motors reported sales that rose 6.5% to nearly 226,000. GM spokesman Kurt McNeil attributed the rise to not just low gas prices and the buzz around Black Friday, but increased job security, rising wages and improved household wealth. Toyota reported sales that rose 3% to more than 183,000 vehicles, while Ford's sales fell 2% as it transitioned to its new F-150. TrueCar.com forecasts a seasonally adjusted annualized sales rate of 17 million, the best November rate since 2004.