By AP
DETROIT –
General Motors Co.'s U.S. sales rose 7 percent in November, a sign the auto industry had a strong month.
The company sold just over 180,000 cars and trucks. GM was led by the Chevrolet Cruze. Sales of the compact car rose 64 percent. The company also reported strong pickup sales, with the Chevy Silverado up 34 percent.
GM was among the first companies to report U.S. auto sales on Thursday. Industry analysts expect November to be the strongest month of the year when projected at an annual rate and adjusted for seasonal factors. They say people are finally starting to get rid of their old cars and trucks.
The Polk research firm says the average age of a vehicle in the U.S. is now a record 10.6 years.