Car sales increasing in Wisconsin

It has been a tough few years for car dealer to say the least, but now, sales in Wisconsin are starting to shift into high gear.

New car sales in Wisconsin were up 12 percent for 2011. That's a huge jump from the three percent increase from the year before, and three years of dismal decreases before that.

Ford and Chevrolet led the way in southeastern Wisconsin sales.

Chevy sales were up 18.5 percent, and Ford was up 17 percent.

Much of the growth in American-made vehicles came at the expense of Japanese automakers, which struggled to keep up with inventory demand after the earthquare and tsunami in Japan.

Toyota sales were down 10 percent and Honda sales were flat in the region.

Industry experts say last year's growth could signal a turnaround for American-made vehicles.

For more on Wisconsin car sales bouncing back, check out the Milwaukee Business Journal article.