(The Associated Press)
2011 auto-sales totals top previous years
Americans bought more cars and trucks last year, inspired by easier credit, an improved economy and the desire to replace aging vehicles that got them through the Great Recession. Sales rose sharply for Detroit's three carmakers and for Japan's Nissan in 2011, aided by a surge in November and December. Analysts expect that momentum to continue into 2012. After final figures are tallied, U.S. auto sales should rise to around 12.7 million in 2011. That's a 10 percent jump from 2010 and a 22 percent rise from 2009.
— The Associated Press
(Volkswagen)
Carmakers go long on Super Bowl ads
All of the advertising slots for the Super Bowl have sold out, and car companies will have a major presence. Among the most notable: Volkswagen, whose wildly popular 2011 Super Bowl spot featured a kid in the Darth Vader costume who thinks his "force" starts a VW (shown). This time, VW will air one ad that's twice as long: a 60-second slot in the third quarter that promotes the 2012 Beetle. General Motors is back with five slots, including four for Chevrolet and one for Cadillac. Toyota, Hyundai and Kia are also all returning. The game airs Feb. 5.
— USA Today
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