Can solid car sales last? - The Buzz

Canadian auto sales are expected to come in just shy of a new record in 2012 after another strong month of sales across the country in November. Ford Motor Co. of Canada, Ltd. remained the top seller in Canada for the month – and for the year to date – with sales up 7.4% year-over-year. The company said that was driven by a 14% jump in car sales during the month and a 6% rise in truck sales. The Canadian auto industry has seen incredible growth in 2012

Michael Johnston submits:After weathering a severe and prolonged downturn that saw multiple bankruptcies, unprecedented government intervention, and the near demise of the entire industry, American automakers finally have some good news to report.

Natural gas bulls finally have a reason to be optimistic. Recent data shows that the U.S. supply-demand gap has closed, with the EIA noting that natural gas demand surpassed total supply in the past year. “Therefore, if growth in natural gas demand continues to surpass growth in natural gas supply, a supply deficit will open up and push prices higher,” analysts at Canaccord Genuity told clients.

Small car sales begin to play bigger role; pickup truck, SUV sales still strong.

One of the hallmarks of the ongoing European economic depression has been the complete implosion in the continent's automotive sales (here and here) and as Reuters summarized last week, there is little hope of a rebound for a long, long time.

The buzz around the North American International Auto Show in Detroit this week has hit a positive pitch not heard since the global economic crisis gutted the industry a few years back.

The buzz around the North American International Auto Show in Detroit this week hit a positive pitch not heard since the global economic crisis gutted the industry a few years back. The Financial Post Scott Deveau was in Detroit for the event talking to the movers and shakers of the global vehicle industry — from Chrysler’s charismatic Sergio Marchionne on the return of Alfa Romeo 2 to North America to Detroit’s Big Three lamenting the high cost of production in Canada.

Bret Jensen submits:Oil prices have had a significant pullback over the last six or so weeks. In sympathy, oil stocks have also had a corresponding selloff and have gone down more than the market overall. Is it time to starting trolling for bargains in this sector? Here are three oil majors to consider. They all have had pullbacks over the last six to eight weeks. They also have low valuations, good growth prospects and rock solid balance sheets.