By Kari Williamson
The growth is due to easier credit, low interest rates and pent-up demand for cars and trucks following the recession, according to Associated Press.
Furthermore, as Americans continue to replace old vehicles (the average American car is now 11 years old), sales are set to reach 13.8m in 2012.
The auto industry has already started ramping up with Ford announcing last January that it will add 7000 workers over a two-year period. GM has also said it will hire 2500 at its Detroit factory making the Chevrolet Volt electric car.
Volkswagen has already hired 2000 for its new plant in Tennessee and Honda has added 1000 workers in Indiana.
According to the Centre for Automotive Research in Michigan, the US auto industry could add 167,000 jobs by 2015, a 28% increase on current levels.
