DETROIT — After months of roller-coasterlike sales, the auto industry offered signs of recovery from its year-long slump Tuesday as most automakers reported higher levels of U.S. sales in October.
GM reported its first monthly sales gain in almost two years, while Hyundai and Subaru were huge winners, thanks to their popular models and fuel-efficient sedans. Other top automakers — Ford and Nissan — also posted higher sales after the industry staggered through September after the summer’s Cash for Clunkers-fueled sales surge.
GM’s sales rose 4.7 percent, while Ford notched a 3 percent gain. Chrysler’s sales fell 30 percent, though they improved from September. Hyundai said its sales jumped 49 percent, boosted by its fuel-efficient Elantra sedan. The Associated Press
