With a surge in sales by automakers like Volkswagen and Chrysler Group January marked the strongest annualized sales rate for the industry in nearly two-and-a-half years. This growth in sales is attributed to American drivers need to replace their aging cars and trucks; and with low interest rates and higher used-car prices new car sales are sure surge.

U.S. auto sales rose 11.4 percent in January; nearly twice the rate analysts had expected. This marked the highest sales rate for the industry since August 2009, during the “cash for clunkers” trade-in incentive program. January is typically one of the slowest months of the year, but analysts believe the surge from the fourth quarter continued to speed up in January.

“We ended 2011 strong and are seeing the momentum continue into 2012 with a 47.9 percent increase, demonstrating our growth strategy continues to take root,” said Jonathan Browning, President and CEO, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. “With a full line-up of new and refreshed vehicles Volkswagen is off to a strong start in 2012.”

Led by remarkable sales for the all-new Impreza, Subaru of America, Inc. reported record vehicle sales for January 2012, a gain of 21% over January 2011. The impressive results for January follow what was a record year for Subaru in 2011. “It’s a great start to the year,” said Bill Cyphers, senior vice president of sales, Subaru of America, Inc. “With the momentum from 2011 carrying into 2012 we are well placed for success.”

After coming off a year with over $180 million in profit Chrysler Group continued to grow with a 44 percent rise in U.S. auto sales in January. These sales were led by the Jeep brand that saw over 37 percent in growth, with all Jeep Brand models posting double-digit percentage sales gains. The Jeep Grand Cherokee logged its best January sales in the last six years. “we started the new year with a bang by growing sales 44 percent,” said Reid Bigland, President and CEO – Dodge Brand and Head of U.S. Sales. “In January we continued building on the sales momentum that we generated during 2011 with our 16 all-new or significantly-refreshed products.”

Audi has reported its 13^th straight record-setting month of sales with an increase of 15.1% over January 2011. “Consumers are sending a strong signal that Audi is at the top of the luxury vehicle market,” said Audi of America President Johan de Nysschen.  “I’m optimistic that 2012 will be another pacesetting year.”